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Yesterday, I had the great honor of receiving the Sun Sentinel’s Excalibur Award for Large Business Leader of the Year in Palm Beach County. I’m extremely humbled to be among the outstanding recipients of the Excalibur Award over the years, including former ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ President Anthony Catanese and alumni Scott Adams, Anthony Barbar, Peter Baronoff, Fabiola Brumley and Phil Smith. Anthony also is the former chair of the ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Board of Trustees, and his guidance and partnership over the years had a tremendous impact on my – and the university’s – success.

I’d like to extend sincere congratulations to my fellow Excalibur Award honorees, who are recognized for their success within the business community and for their commitment to innovation, company growth and community contribution.

• Small Business Leader of the Year in Palm Beach County: Eric Kelly, Quantum Foundation
• Small Business Leader of the Year in Broward: Maureen Shea, Right Management
• Large Business Leader of the Year in Broward: Aurelio Fernandez, Memorial Healthcare System
• Next Excalibur Award, Palm Beach County: Lisa Collum, Top Score Writing
• Next Excalibur Award, Broward: Alan Goldsmith, Broward Health

Not surprisingly, two of this year’s honorees – Eric Kelly and Lisa Collum – are ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ alumni, highlighting the university’s impact across our region, as well as the high caliber of our graduates.

The ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ College of Business’ Executive Education Program has proudly sponsored the Excalibur Awards for more than five years. Our Executive Education Program has provided training to many of the companies represented at this annual event, and together, as a community, we are starting, building and leading great businesses.

I’d like to thank the chair of ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ’s Board of Trustees, Abdol Moabery, whose leadership is helping to propel ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ into a new era of excellence, as well as the many businesses and business leaders throughout Palm Beach and Broward counties who have supported ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ over the years. Their partnership is helping us provide life-changing programs and opportunities that prepare our diverse student body for success in a rapidly changing world.

I’d also like to thank the hard-working faculty, staff and students at ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ. They continue to inspire me and make me excited to go to work every day at ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ. I’m very proud to be an Owl, and very proud to be part of the dynamic South Florida business community.