Business Hall of Famers Receive 2024 Horatio Alger Award

James Donnelly and Ramola Motwani, two of the NSU H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship’s Entrepreneur and Business Hall of Fame members, are among 11 recipients of the 2024 Horatio Alger Award.

The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc., is a nonprofit educational organization honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals and encouraging youth to pursue their dreams through higher education. It has made the awards annually for the past 77 years for exceptional corporate, civic and cultural trailblazers from across the country who have succeeded despite facing challenges and remained committed to education and philanthropic efforts in their communities and beyond.

The Horatio Alger Association, which is dedicated to preserving and protecting the “American Dream” for future generations, honored Donnelly and Motwani at the Horatio Alger Award induction ceremonies in Washington, D.C., April 4-6.

“It is our utmost honor to present the Horatio Alger Award to these outstanding leaders who have exemplified perseverance, passion and a deep appreciation for higher education,” said James F. Dicke II, chairman of the Horatio Alger Association and 2015 Horatio Alger Award recipient. “These influential leaders not only spearhead their own businesses, but they give generously to causes, organizations and communities in need. Our 2024 awardees embody the association’s mission and are proof that the American Dream is within reach for anyone who seeks it.”

Donnelly, a member of NSU’s Board of Trustees and major donor to the business college, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014. He was instrumental in creating the James Donnelly Property Management and Real Estate Program, the only one of its kind in Florida. Through his giving, NSU has been able to expand the program and provide scholarships to eligible students. His gift to the program brought his total support to NSU to seven figures.

Motwani, a 2015 Hall of Famer, is chairwoman and CEO of Merrimac Ventures, a real estate management, investment and development company with interests in the United States and India. Merrimac Ventures – a family business that was started by the late Ramesh Motwani – has owned several hotels on Fort Lauderdale Beach. Ramola Motwani has been a longtime supporter of NSU students.

Posted 04/07/24