David Brooks, bi-weekly op-ed columnist for the New York Times and regular analyst on PBS NewsHour and NPR’s All Things Considered, talked about his New York Times bestseller, “The Road to Character” — explaining why selflessness leads to greater success and describing how we can all strive to build rich inner lives, marked by humility and moral depth.

Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist widely considered to be one of the world’s leading experts on the psychology of morality, specifically addressed the ethics of capitalism, which requires that we first understand why the left and the right disagree so sharply about what it is and what its effects are.

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Nicholas A. Christakis, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., director of Yale University’s Human Nature Lab and co-director of the Yale Institute for Network Science, addressed how certain kinds of social artificial intelligence (AI) might best be used to enhance our society.

Renowned journalist, Cokie Roberts, named a “Living Legend” by the Library of Congress (2008), is one of the most esteemed and brilliant broadcast journalists of our time.

International best-selling author and global consultant Jackie Freiberg is dedicated to helping companies and organizations foster work environments where innovation is a product of risk taking, facing failures and seizing opportunities, all while empowering employees to do their best work.

As The Economist’s editor-in-chief and former Washington editor, economics editor, and business affairs editor, Zanny Minton Beddoes delivers unmatched insights and global perspective on the various economic elements at work in presentations that are constantly evolving along with global economic conditions and circumstances.

Jon Huntsman, Jr., former Governor of Utah (2005–2009) and former United States Ambassador to China (2009–2011) presented “Global Leadership: Our Future with China.” Huntsman shared his keen insights behind modern news headlines—from China and the economy to business abroad, as well as intellectual property protection.

James Stavridis, former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO and Retired U.S. Navy Admiral,  presented “The Ethics of Cyber Security.” He brought to light how in our increasingly connected world, we digitally share more and more of our personal information, the security risks that brings, and what can be done at the business, national, and international levels to ensure our data security.

Sheila Bair, former chair of the FDIC, presented “Main Street vs. Wall Street and the New Financial Paradigm.” Named second most powerful woman in the world by Forbes, Bair challenged “too big to fail” institutions on behalf of “Main Street.” Bair addressed turning short-term gratification into long-term economic stability, producing value to generate meaningful economic gains, and looking toward global challenges.

Dr. Ian Bremmer, president, of Eurasia Group, presented “Rocking the World Order: How Changing Politics, Economics, and Geography Impact Us.” He addressed the seismic shifts taking place in the world order that affect the global economy and rise (and fall) of nations. He shared what experts track and also precautions people can take.

Sue Gardner, executive director of Wikimedia Foundation, presented “Why Wikipedia Matters.” With nearly half a billion readers at the time, Wikipedia’s regarded as the most popular encyclopedia in human history. Gardner discussed how Wikipedia has changed access to information and what the future might hold.

Jacqueline Novogratz, CEO of Acumen Fund, presented “Social Capitalism: An ‘App’ to Fight Poverty.” Novogratz reported on Acumen’s progress in addressing practical health, food, and business issues based on her extensive international experience. Her empowering approach brought about change in global aid and development in the U.S. and abroad.

Dr. Marcelo Suarez-Orozco, professor of globalization and education at New York University, presented “Global Migration: Best Practices for Business and Society in a Changing World.” At the time, one in every 35 people traveling via plane were working, living, or moving across national borders. Suarez-Orozco discussed modern migration and the profound implications for individuals, businesses, and society.

John Howard, former Prime Minister of Australia, presented “Leadership in a Global Economy.” Howard discussed the role of world leaders in a new century, events addressing the growing concerns of globalization and global economics, the environment, and threats to international security. He explained ways and the degrees to which China, India, and the Pacific Rim may participate.

John Micklethwait, editor-in-chief of The Economist, presented “Globalization and the Economy of the Future.” He provided a briefing on the world’s economy with commentary on globalization, where it’s headed, and opportunities for positive impact.

2023

Alan Page, former Minnesota Viking and State Supreme Court Justice (retired)

2022

Tony Sanneh, decorated professional soccer player and local nonprofit founder

2020

Mary Jane Melendez, Chief sustainability and social impact officer for General Mills President of the General Mills Foundation.

2019

Brad Hewitt, former CEO of Thrivent Financial

2018

Rhoda Olsen, Vice chair of the Great Clips, Inc. Board of Directors

2016

Inge Thulin, Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer of 3M

2015

Mary Brainerd, president and CEO, HealthPartners

2014

Chris Policinski, president and CEO of Land O’Lakes

2013

Doug Baker, Jr., chair and CEO of Ecolab, Inc.

2012

Yvonne Cheung Ho, CEO of MEDA (retired)

2011

Richard Davis, president of U.S. Bancorp

2010

Dr. Eric J. Jolly, president of the Science Museum of Minnesota

2009

Charles Denny, president and CEO of ADC Telecommunications (retired)

2008

Warren and Mary Lynn Staley, CEO of Cargill (retired) and philanthropists

AWARD CRITERIA

Nominees for the award will be ethical leaders that reflect and have demonstrated the following principles noted in Doing Right in a Shrinking World by Brother Louis DeThomasis and Neal St. Anthony:

• An attitude that embraces diversity, differences, and ambiguity;
• An appreciation for the gift of globally diverse cultures including our own;
• A creative imagination that leads not to change, but to transformation;
• The language of stewardship and abundance that transcends ideology;
• An acceptance of and enthusiasm for the positive integration of faith and finance;
• An unwavering commitment to do good and to give more; and
• Faith that the outcome of giving more is that we receive more for ourselves, and for all of humankind.

Nominees should demonstrate one or more of the following:

• Makes a significant contribution to the community
• Employs ethical approaches that are innovative or creative, whether for a business or the community
• Provides an example of an ethical decision that was in some way transformational for others (employees, customers, volunteers, the community) and the resources and influence used to accomplish this
• Serves as a role model for young and emerging ethical leaders

ELIGIBILITY

The medal may be presented to any individual who is an ethical business leader and lives in the 11-county Twin Cities metropolitan area (Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Washington, or Wright counties) or the three-county Winona area (Olmsted, Wabasha, or Winona counties).

Those not eligible for this award include employees, current students, and those involved in governance, on a paid or volunteer basis, of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.