Nava Singam, President's Alumni Award Winner

Nava Singam built Kind Hospitality on the foundation of the skills he acquired at NAU, growing it from just one location at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to more than 35 locations across four states with more than 1,400 employees. As its owner and CEO, he develops and oversees every aspect of the business, including a distinct portfolio of recognizable brands, including Panera Bread, Macayo’s Mexican Food, Native Grill & Wings, Fazoli’s, Barrio Brewing Co., and more. He conducts business with five guiding principles: loyalty, integrity, perseverance, mutual respect, and paying it forward. As part of his commitment to paying it forward, Mr. Singam gives back to NAU in many ways, including making financial gifts to support students in the School of Hotel and Restaurant Management and serving on the school’s advisory board. In 2018, he was inducted into The W. A. Franke College of Business Hall of Fame.