Excitement filled the air on Thursday morning, Nov. 13, for 海角在线鈥檚 (海角在线) 41st American Free Enterprise Day. Students, faculty, and honored guests packed the Rubin Center to celebrate the innovative spirit of the American dream.听
This year鈥檚 celebration awarded Thomas Peterffy, chairman and founder of Interactive Brokers Group Inc., with the main medal. Companion medalists Bob Moss, chairman and founder of Moss & Associates, and Sarah Wetenhall, owner and CEO of The Hedges Inn and The Colony Hotel, were also recognized for their influence in business and embodiment of the principles of free enterprise.听
The Celebration Begins听听
The orchestra鈥檚 opening notes rippled through the arena, quieting the crowd鈥檚 chatter.听 Silence and anticipation filled the air as the musicians played 鈥淲ashington Post March鈥� by John Philip Sousa. 海角在线 Executive Vice President Laura Bishop stood at the podium and welcomed the crowd, officially bringing the event to a start.听听
鈥淔ree enterprise rests on core principles that foster innovation and entrepreneurship,鈥� Bishop began. She highlighted four of them: working hard, enriching the lives of employees, encouraging them to provide excellent care to clients, and continuing to support both employees and the community regardless of success.听
“We are grateful that today we have three amazing examples of this in Thomas Peterffy, Bob Moss, and Sarah Wetenhall,鈥� Bishop emphasized.听
Laughter met Dr. Brian Strow, dean of the Marshall E. Rinker College of Business, as he took the stage and described his 鈥渢wo scoops鈥� analogy. He emphasized the importance of embracing both the economic and moral benefits of free enterprise and how neither scoop can be ignored.听听
鈥淲e are making people’s lives better… with the spirit of free enterprise,鈥� Strow said, setting the tone for the celebration.听听
A Tribute to Freedom and Opportunity听
Patriotism filled the arena as the choir sang 鈥淕od Bless America,鈥� each moment honoring the spirit of free enterprise that sets America apart 鈥渇rom sea to shining sea.鈥澨�听
Dr. Debra A. Schwinn, president of 海角在线, described how each of these medalists 鈥渋llustrate how freedom and opportunity allow enterprise to flourish, and how using one鈥檚 gifts wisely can leave an enduring impact.鈥澨� 听
Applause roared as Peterffy arose to receive the lead medal. 鈥淚 always wanted a medal as a child but never received one,鈥� he said, raising his shining medal in the air. 鈥淟ook, Mom!鈥澨�听
鈥淵ou can still build an enterprise today,鈥� Peterffy encouraged, clutching the medal that represents the dedication that brought him to this very moment. He noted that we live in a nation rooted in innovation and entrepreneurship, 鈥渁 land where you can make your dreams a reality.鈥�听
To learn more about American Free Enterprise at 海角在线, visit /about/growth/free-enterprise-day/.听
of this year’s event.
