Two hundred attended the final event of the symposium and 40th anniversary celebration—a banquet hosted by the University of Iowa Vice President for Medical Affairs, Jean Robillard at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Iowa City. 

Dr. Robillard spoke about how the decades of hard work by Dr. Abboud and his colleagues through the Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center "...have led to a deeper understanding of how the heart works, how it interacts with other organs and systems, and how it malfunctions. It has also paved the way for innovative diagnostics, medicines and treatment strategies."

Former University of Iowa President Williard Boyd also spoke at the event and noted "Frank's visionary and humane leadership permeates the entire University." He called Dr. Abboud a "university-wide treasure."