Founder & CEO James Donnelly was honored as a companion medalist at Palm Beach University’s 32nd American Free Enterprise Day on Tuesday, November 14, 2017.
American Free Enterprise Day (AFE) is a Palm Beach Atlantic University ceremony that is steeped in tradition dating back to 1984. It is highlighted by a medal ceremony that honors individuals whose hard work and achievement exemplify the best of the American free enterprise system. One Medalist of the Year is selected, and companion medals are awarded to other business leaders as well.
This year’s Medalist of the Year was David C. Novak, co-founder and retired chairman and CEO of Yum! Brands, Inc. James Donnelly was honored with a companion medal, along with 3 other business leaders: David Donten – Partner at Caler, Donten, Levine, Cohen, Porter & Veil, P.A; Judy Mitchell – CEO of the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts; and David Wright – Owner and CEO of Butterfield’s Pharmacy & Medical Supplies. Through American Free Enterprise Day, Palm Beach Atlantic University publicly affirms its commitment to “the values and institutions that historically have informed American society”. The event underscores the importance of religious liberty, morality, limited constitutional government, the Rule of Law, personal and political accountability, and capitalism — which makes up the system of free enterprise.
Palm Beach Atlantic University’s general education curriculum requires all students to complete a course called “Freedom in American Society,” which examines the meaning and significance of freedom in the American experience. In naming James Donnelly as a medalist, PBAU looks to recognize members of the community who embody American free enterprise. “America is an exceptional nation,” proclaimed James Donnelly. “A nation that rewards hard work and achievement in the same vein that Palm Beach Atlantic University rewards students with a vibrant education. As an immigrant to this great country I am very humbled and take great pride in receiving the American Free Enterprise Day Medal.”
