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Celebration of Free Enterprise to celebrate Tampa businessman and visionary Jeff Vinik

The 2015 Celebration of Free Enterprise will be an exciting evening honoring one of Tampa's most successful businessmen and most innovative visionaries - Jeff Vinik.

Now in its 24th year, this award recognizes individuals or leadership teams who have made or are making a significant contribution to the free enterprise system in all areas of endeavor – from politics to the hospitality industry, from banking to new technologies. A celebration in every sense of the word, this not-to-be missed event raises funds for student success initiatives at USF's Muma College of Business. This year's celebration will kick off on Thursday, Sept. 24, at 6:15 p.m. at the Marriott Waterside Tampa.

"It is our vision that our graduates leave USF thinking like Jeff does – strategically, analyzing problems piece by piece and coming up with solutions – all while remembering to better the world around them," said Moez Limayem, dean of the USF Muma College of Business. "Jeff is inspiring. He is the essence of free enterprise, and we cannot find a better person to honor."

The selection committee looks for individuals or companies that have consistently demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit, made significant contributions to the free enterprise system, and have a unique story to tell. Vinik exceeds all of those qualifications.

He took a risk on Tampa when he purchased the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Tampa Bay Storm. He envisioned an NHL experience like no other, one that focused on fans as much as the team – and recognized the importance of building the Tampa Bay community. Moreover, his support and guidance of the Tampa Riverwalk and Channelside projects are revitalizing downtown, making Tampa into one of the country's premier waterfront communities.

Vinik has a history of personal and professional success. Prior to joining the finance universe, the New Jersey native earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Duke University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. During the early stage of his career, Vinik managed the Fidelity Magellan Fund, averaging 17 percent annual returns. After leaving Fidelity, he founded the Vinik Asset Management hedge fund, where he returned $4.2 billion to shareholders.

In 2000, Vinik decided to focus on managing his own portfolio and, ten years later, he purchased the Tampa Bay Lightning. He envisioned an NHL experience like none other, one that focused on fans as much as the team – and recognized the importance of building the Tampa Bay community.

He is also much more than a businessman - he is a respected philanthropist. and community leader. Today, Vinik is focused on a new vision: one that revitalizes Tampa's Channelside District and spurs economic growth throughout the region. His potential downtown expansion will include nearly three million square feet with three new office and hotel towers, USF's medical school and heart institute, 500 residential units and 5,000 additional parking spaces.

USF System President Judy Genshaft, USF Muma College of Business Dean Moez Limayem, and many more in the community will join together September 24 to honor this transformational leader. More information on purchasing tickets is available at http://www.usf.edu/business/free-enterprise/.