A Century of Igniting Good in the Hearts and Minds of Young Leaders

A Century of Igniting Good in the Hearts and Minds of Young Leaders

A Century of Igniting Good in the Hearts and Minds of Young Leaders

For a century, the Sullivan Foundation has quietly been a honoring college students and community members of noble character who put service above self.

Please join us as the Foundation celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Sullivan Awards being presented at colleges and universities across the American South.

The Foundation will travel to all 11 founding schools throughout the next few years to commemorate campus legacies around service, leadership and community engagement. Join us at one or all of these celebrations! 

Register for Sullivan’s centennial celebrations

Mercer University, Atlanta, GA
University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
Pre-Order your Commemorative Centennial Book!

Celebrating the Past. Inspiring the Future.

Beginning in the Fall of 2024 and continuing through 2028, the Foundation will celebrate the eleven schools who initially adopted the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award during the 1925-26 through 1927-28 academic years. Please join us as we celebrate with these founding partner schools.

New York City

A Centennial Celebration to Remember

NYC Photo Gallery

On Friday September 20, 2024, the Foundation kicked off our centennial celebrations with a reception at The Penn Club of New York.

New York City has a special place in the Foundations history. Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan lived and worked in New York City. Mr. Sullivan, along with partner William Cromwell, founded the firm, Sullivan & Cromwell in New York City. The New York Southern Society created the Sullivan medallion in 1890 in honor of Mr. Sullivan’s life of service, prior to the Foundation’s creation.

New York City:

A Centennial Celebration to Remember

On Friday September 20, 2024, the Foundation will kickoff our centennial celebrations with a reception at The Penn Club of New York between 5:30 and 7:30 PM. This gathering will bring together past Sullivan Award recipients, as well as administrators and faculty from our partner schools, and the Foundation leadership to celebrate the organization’s legacy and its future.

The reception is free, although space is limited and Award recipients and their guest will have priority.

Centennial Sullivan Showcase

Nashville, TN

Nashville Photo Gallery

The first partner school to present the Algernon Sydney Sullivan medallion was Peabody College, presently the College of Education of Vanderbilt University. We celebrated this special evening signifying the first Sullivan Award ever presented by southern colleges and universities.

We were honored to display a special collection of George Sulivan’s art work while we celebrated being on the same stage as the 1st ever award. We also welcomed our two newest Sullivan schools, Belmont University and Fisk University.

100 Years Sullivan Showcase

The first partner school to present the Algernon Sydney Sullivan medallion was Peabody College, presently the College of Education of Vanderbilt University. Join us for this special evening signifying the first Sullivan Award ever presented by southern colleges and universities.

We will have a special collection of George Sulivan’s art work on display while we commemorate our beginning and welcome our newest Sullivan schools, Belmont University and Fisk University.

2026 Sullivan Showcase

Register to attend the Sullivan Showcase

April 10, 2026
*Host Tables are Full-Invite Only*

Atlanta, GA

Reach out for more information

Tickets

Registration is now open! Host tables are $1,000 (10 per table). Seats are limited and by invitation only.

Reach out to Courtney Carlton with table inquiries or questions.

Registration Details

Attire is Business Formal

All tickets include access to the event along with a seated dinner.

  • 6:00 pm – Cocktail Reception
  • 7:00 – 9:00 pm – Seated Dinner and Awards Presentation
  • 9:00 pm – Event ends

Hotel Recommendations 

Although accommodation is not included with your registration, we encourage you to stay the night.

The Luminary Award celebrates the legacy of service leaders.

The Luminary Award celebrates the legacy of service leaders.

The Sullivan Award has long been one of the most prestigious student awards offered by our partner schools. Each year at the Sullivan Showcase, we honor one past Sullivan Award student recipient who has continued placing service above self throughout their lifetime.

Introducing the 2024 Luminary Award Recipient: Mark Peres, 1985 Rollins College Algernon Sydney Sullivan Recipient

Learn more about the 2023 Luminary Award Recipient: Dr. John McCardell, 1971 Washington & Lee University

Nominate an Alum for the Luminary Award

Nominations are OPEN for 2026 recipients.

–>> Click Here to View Past Recipients Here!!

Join the Movement:

Be Part of the Legacy

The Sullivan Foundation’s mission of igniting lives of integrity and service extends far beyond its anniversary celebrations. The Foundation’s work of building a better future is ongoing, and there are numerous ways for individuals to get involved and contribute to the movement.

Join the Movement: Be Part of the Legacy

The Sullivan Foundation’s mission of igniting lives of integrity and service extends far beyond its anniversary celebrations. The Foundation’s work of building a better future is ongoing, and there are numerous ways for individuals to get involved and contribute to the movement.

How to be part of the Legacy

How to be part of the Legacy

The Sullivan Foundation’s 100-year history is a testament to the transformative power of service and leadership development.

From the unwavering dedication of Algernon Sydney Sullivan to the countless individuals who have been empowered by the Foundation’s programs, the story of the Sullivan Foundation is one of hope, inspiration, and positive change.

As the Foundation embarks on its next century, it continues to ignite good in the hearts and minds of leaders, fostering a brighter future for communities everywhere. By joining forces, we can ensure that Algernon Sydney Sullivan’s legacy continues to inspire generations to come.

Upcoming
Dates & Locations

Upcoming Dates & Locations.

Sullivan Alumni Weekend

Friday, March 27-29, 2026
Location: Asheville-Lake Junaluska, NC

Join us for a weekend in the mountains, as we reconnect with past award recipients, as well as meet and connect with students and Sullivan Fellows.

Interested in serving as a Fellowship Panelist/Speaker or Coach? Contact Courtney Carlton or complete this form for more information.

Register to Attend

Sullivan Showcase: Celebrating 100 Years with Mercer University

April 10, 2026-Atlanta, GA

We are excited to commemorate 100 years with Mercer University at our Annual Sullivan Showcase. We will host this event in Atlanta, GA.

Host schools include Mercer University, Brenau University, Converse University, Oglethorpe University, Sewanee-Univ. of the South, and Wesleyan College.

Purchase Table **TABLES FULL**

Alumni Gathering: 100 Years at Univ. of South Carolina

Location: Columbia, SC

April 16-18, 2026

Join us for a service-filled weekend in Columbia, SC, honoring selfless service to others. We will bring past recipients together, while we celebrate a centennial of awards at the Univ. of South Carolina.

The weekend kicks off with their University Awards Day on Thursday, Apirl 16, followed by an optional campus tour and Centennial reception on Friday, April 17. We end the weekend with a campus-wide service morning on Saturday, April 18.

This is open to all past recipients, plus USC administrators and community members.

Register to Attend

Want to host a social or alumni reception on your campus or in your community? Reach out to Courtney Carlton. 

“Thank you SO much for this weekend! It was such a great way to start my Fall and I can’t wait to participate in more Sullivan events.”

Dani Biggs, Sullivan Alumni
Elon University

“Thank you SO much for this weekend! It was such a great way to start my Fall and I can’t wait to participate in more Sullivan events.”

Dani Biggs, Sullivan Alumni
Elon University