Alumni Profile: David Hatchard '93

Where are you from? I was born in Seoul, Korea, and moved to the United States when I was three years old. I grew up in Flemington, NJ.

When did you come to CFS? I was given an opportunity to board as a freshman in 1989.

Was CFS a good fit for you? Yes, although like most kids, I had growing pains moving away from home and being in a new environment. It was a great learning experience being exposed to a diverse group of guys from different backgrounds, countries and economic situations. As well as being educators, the houseparents and teachers took an interest in our well-being and development as young men. 

What do you value most about the experience? I learned to be an independent, more confident young man going out into the world. The teachers doubled as coaches and role models and gave me knowledge, moral and emotional support after school and taught me how to be successful in the classroom, on the wrestling mat and tennis court.

What are your favorite memories of the farm? Senior ditch day? Winning back-to-back undefeated seasons in tennis and wrestling. Producing ceramic works in the art room, which was an oasis and a creative outlet.

How did the diversity of school prepare you for life after CFS? The guys from different backgrounds made me more well-rounded and offered me different perspectives that I applied to my own life and when dealing with life outside of CFS. It gave me confidence engaging with different people and made me more adventurous to try new experiences.

What did you do after CFS and what you are doing now? I went to the New Jersey Institute of Technology and received my bachelors degree in architecture. I worked in New York City for more than a decade working mostly on real estate development and construction projects. Highlights of my career in New York were building homes for celebrity clients in NYC, and working on the award-winning Lincoln Center Development Project, where we renovated the famous performing arts center. I am currently leading the real estate, design and development for Apple retail stores across EMEIA (Europe, Middle East, India and Africa). I live in London with my wife, June, and 17-month old daughter, Wren Hitomi (who was born here!).