The Sandage Center for the Study of Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship

By establishing the Center, Graceland University seeks to perpetuate the spirit of free enterprise in students, faculty and communities. The study of America's entrepreneurial tradition enhances and strengthens our economy by encouraging innovation and my familiarizing young people with a knowledge of the principles and history of free enterprise. That body of economic values, purposes, concepts, processes and structures which constitute the American system of free enterprise has allowed our society to deploy its resources, both physical and human, to acheive a high standard of quality of life for most Americans. Although it is not perfect, our economic system is inextricably interwoven with the individual freedoms which Americans cherish. Of primary importance is the belief that enduring political and economic freedom rests on the expectation of society for ethical and compassionate economic behavior.

The focused study of free enterprise and entrepreneurship is appropriately located in a small, private university with its emphasis on the dignity of the individual. To educate young people to understand the history and principles of free enterprise and to evaluate business opportunities is to provide a basis not only for the future economic success of the individual student but also for the economic success of our world.