Alberto Baillères, president of ITAM’s board of directors and president of Grupo BAL, was presented the Belisario Domínguez Medal for 2015, which is the highest recognition that Mexico grants to a citizen, in acknowledgment of his contribution to the country’s development through the creation of jobs, his philanthropy and his support for education.

Among those present during the ceremony were President Enrique Peña Nieto, Senate President Roberto Gil Zuarth, Chamber of Deputies President Jesús Zambrano, Mexico City Mayor Miguel Ángel Mancera, Chiapas Gov. Manuel Velasco, and ministry secretaries and senators.

The medal, which was granted to him by the Senate, was established in 1954 in honor of Belisario Domínguez, a native of the state of Chiapas. Domínguez was a staunch opponent of the government of Victoriano Huerta and was assassinated on Oct. 7, 1913. The award is presented yearly to an outstanding Mexican man or woman whose public life has been marked by his or her dedication to service to Mexico, to uplifting society and to the defense of key values.

Baillères, who was visibly moved by the recognition, said that it is his love for Mexico that led to his receiving the award, and said that it is what also motivates and always has motivated him. He said that as a representative of Mexicans who are dedicated to business activity, he shares this accomplishment with many of them, who have faithfully and efficiently served the country through their work, which seeks to constantly strengthen our nation by creating and leading projects that produce goods and services for society.

Touching on his origins, he spoke of the vision of his father and other great thinkers of the time who established the foundations for the Mexico of today. He recalled that throughout his life he was inspired by the passion with which his family and teachers sought to contribute, as much as possible, to laying the foundation of a sovereign, free, just and prosperous nation. He invited all citizens to be part of the change that Mexico needs to become a developed country, stating that in the past 20 years the nation has experienced a clear and positive transformation.

He said: “Those who are going to change Mexico are all of its citizens when we become able to eliminate pessimism and replace it with a realistic and well-founded optimism and with a passionate love for our nation.”