To Our 2021 Top 100 Alumni Entrepreneurs, Congratulations! Due to your hard work, perseverance and creativity, you’re being honored by Belmont University as examples of excellence in business and entrepreneurship. This recognition acknowledges what you’ve accomplished through your professional endeavors to date as well as the strong character you’ve shown along the way. You each are exemplifying the entrepreneurial mindset that I hope a Belmont education instills in all of our students, whether they are studying economics, music, nursing, science, education, etc. Being an entrepreneur extends far beyond the traditional interpretation of founding a new company or social enterprise. Rather, having the spirit of an entrepreneur means you are innovative, nimble and constantly thinking big! Many of you have heard me say that one of the professional athletes I most admire is retired hockey great Wayne Gretzky, who was once asked why he was so far ahead of his peers when it came to his play on the ice. His response? “While other players spend their time and energy skating to where the puck is, I skate to where the puck is going next.” That response is the epitome of what it means to be a future-shaping entrepreneur! Gretzky’s comments demonstrate a thirst for creative problem solving, showing an individual who can anticipate future needs and find solutions that work. Those are the qualities I see in each of you whom we celebrate today, and that approach is what I believe will continue to distinguish a Belmont graduate. Again, congratulations for your achievements to date. I hope your accomplishments, example and continued involvement with Belmont as valued alumni will serve to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurially-minded leaders. Cheers, Dr. Greg Jones Belmont University, President
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