Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014 – Elon University President Leo M. Lambert awarded Ashesi President Dr. Patrick Awuah the Elon University Medal for Entrepreneurial Leadership - bestowed on individuals who possess integrity, innovation and creativity, passion for lifelong learning, and a commitment to building a dynamic community. The award also recognizes entrepreneurs who are leaders in their industry and exemplify the values of Elon University.
Past winners of the Medal have included Muhammad Yunus, 2006 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Founder of the Grameen Bank and Chairman of the Yunus Centre
, and Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, founder and CEO, Pace Communications and Chairman of the Board of the American Red Cross. Dr. Awuah received the award infront of hundreds of Elon students, staff and faculty who were present to hear about Ashesi’s beginning, and the work it took to build a liberal arts university in Ghana to educate the next generation of leaders in Africa.
“You have impressed us today and by your reputation that precedes you, by your compassion, by your intelligence, by your standing as a role model today for our students on how to live a great life as global citizens,” Lambert said. “For all of these accomplishments, with our admiration and affection, it is my honor to present you with the 2014 Elon University Medal for Entrepreneurial Leadership.”
Elon University is a selective, independent university renowned as a national model for engaged learning, along with excellence in the liberal arts and sciences and professional programs. In its 2014 "America's Best Colleges" guide, U.S. News & World Report rates Elon #1 among Southern Regional Universities and among the top colleges and universities in the United States "with an unusually strong commitment to undergraduate teaching."