TCU Athletics
The Fort Worth Chamber will present TCU with its Spirit of Enterprise Award at the 2024 Annual Meeting, chamber officials said on Wednesday.
The award, presented by American Airlines, recognizes local enterprises for outstanding contributions to the development of the Fort Worth community.
The Annual Meeting is March 27 at Cowtown Coliseum.
“For more than 150 years, TCU has not only been a bedrock of academic excellence and leadership but has also played a crucial role in driving Fort Worth’s economic vitality,” said Steve Montgomery, president and CEO of the Fort Worth Chamber. “Their commitment to innovation and community engagement has bolstered our local economy, creating a ripple effect of growth and opportunity. Celebrating TCU’s legacy is a celebration of their significant impact on our city’s prosperity and the broader vision of a thriving Fort Worth.”
The recipient of the award is selected by board officers of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce. The Spirit of Enterprise recipient is selected for its contributions to the prosperity of the city, as well as its commitment to the preservation of the American enterprise system.
The first winner was the Tandy Corporation in 1975.
TCU also received the award in 2005, marking the first time a local entity has received the distinction twice.
TCU was founded in 1873. The school made Fort Worth its permanent home after a fire destroyed the campus in Waco in 1910. Its living alumni base consists of 100,000.
“We are deeply grateful to receive the Spirit of Enterprise Award from the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, which recognizes our commitment to Fort Worth and its vibrant community,” said Victor J. Boschini, TCU chancellor. “Our 150th anniversary year was a remarkable one, thanks to the amazing support of the people of Fort Worth. We are proud to be part of our city’s storied history and contribute to its economic vitality.”
TCU had a landmark 2023 marked by significant milestones, including its 150th anniversary, as well as the ongoing construction of a new medical campus in Fort Worth’s medical district and graduation of the first class from the Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine at TCU.
The football team's historic run to the College Football Playoff, the first Texas team to participate, brought substantial economic benefits and national exposure to the area.
According to Visit Fort Worth, TCU’s home games delivered a 35% jump in hotel revenue and a 23% jump in total visitor spending, as well as a 12-point gain in hotel occupancy, which is above the national average. TCU also became the only school in college sports to reach the playoffs in football, baseball, and basketball.
These milestones, along with a nationwide mural and event campaign, highlighted TCU's impact on business, sports, youth advocacy, and healthcare. TCU's efforts in research, health disparities, mental health, and a $1 billion fundraising campaign further emphasized its role as a major economic driver and innovator in the region.
“Our long-standing partnership with Fort Worth and its residents is a huge source of pride for TCU — this recognition belongs to all of us,” said Daniel W. Pullin, university president. “Together, we are a community of culture, leadership and innovation dedicated to building a stronger future. We share in each other’s success and the spirit that makes Fort Worth ‘Home of the Horned Frogs.’”
PAST RECIPIENTS
2023 RECARO Aircraft Seating Americas, LLC
2021 Danone North America
2020 Wabtec Corporation
2019 Molson Coors Brewing Company
2018 Ben E. Keith
2017 Byrne Construction Services
2016 GM Financial
2015 Acme Brick Company
2014 Tarrant County College District
2013 Cook Children's Health Care System
2012 Kelly Hart & Hallman, LLP
2011 Wells Fargo
2010 Amon Carter Museum of American Art
2009 DFW International Airport
2008 Gideon Toal
2007 Lockheed Martin
2006 JPMorgan Chase
2005 TCU
2004 Sundance Square
2003 No award presented
2002 XTO Energy Inc.
2001 Carter & Burgess, Inc.
2000 TXU Electric & Gas
1999 Fort Worth Star-Telegram
1998 Southwestern Bell Telephone
1997 Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show
1996 Alliance Development Company, Inc.
1995 Union Pacific Resources
1994 Alcon Laboratories, Inc.
1993 Burlington Northern Railroad
1992 Harris Methodist Health Systems
1991 Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
1990 No award presented
1989 Pier 1 Imports, Inc.
1988 General Dynamics
1987 Freese and Nichols, Inc.
1986 American Airlines, Inc.
1985 Texas American Bancshares Inc.
1984 Williamson-Dickie Manufacturing Company
1983 Thornton Industries, Inc.
1982 Standard Meat Company
1981 Texas Refinery Corp.
1980 American Manufacturing Company of Texas
1979 The Western Company of North America
1978 Justin Industries, Inc.
1977 Gearhart-Owen Industries, Inc.
1976 Mrs Baird’s Bakeries, Inc.
1975 Tandy Corporation