Excitement filled the air on Thursday morning, Nov. 13, for Palm Beach Atlantic University’s (PBA) 41st American Free Enterprise Day. Students, faculty, and honored guests packed the Rubin Center to celebrate the innovative spirit of the American dream.
This year’s 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.
The Celebration Begins
The orchestra’s opening notes rippled through the arena, quieting the crowd’s chatter. Silence and anticipation filled the air as the musicians played “Washington Post March” by John Philip Sousa. PBA Executive Vice President Laura Bishop stood at the podium and welcomed the crowd, officially bringing the event to a start.
“Free enterprise rests on core principles that foster innovation and entrepreneurship,” 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.
“We are grateful that today we have three amazing examples of this in Thomas Peterffy, Bob Moss, and Sarah Wetenhall,” Bishop emphasized.
Laughter met Dr. Brian Strow, dean of the Marshall E. Rinker College of Business, as he took the stage and described his “two scoops” analogy. He emphasized the importance of embracing both the economic and moral benefits of free enterprise and how neither scoop can be ignored.
“We are making people’s lives better… with the spirit of free enterprise,” Strow said, setting the tone for the celebration.
A Tribute to Freedom and Opportunity
Patriotism filled the arena as the choir sang “God Bless America,” each moment honoring the spirit of free enterprise that sets America apart “from sea to shining sea.”
Dr. Debra A. Schwinn, president of PBA, described how each of these medalists “illustrate how freedom and opportunity allow enterprise to flourish, and how using one’s gifts wisely can leave an enduring impact.”
Applause roared as Peterffy arose to receive the lead medal. “I always wanted a medal as a child but never received one,” he said, raising his shining medal in the air. “Look, Mom!”
“You can still build an enterprise today,” 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, “a land where you can make your dreams a reality.”
To learn more about American Free Enterprise at PBA, visit https://www.pba.edu/about/growth/free-enterprise-day/.
Watch the highlights of this year’s event.
