awards that honor service above self

awards that honor service above self

Algernon Sydney and Mary Mildred Sullivan Awards

Algernon Sydney and Mary Mildred Sullivan Awards

Presented since 1890 at colleges across the US

Presented since 1890 at colleges across the US

The Algernon Sydney Sullivan and Mary Mildred Sullivan awards are presented annually to deserving individuals at more than 70 universities.

The awards were first presented by the membership of the New York Southern Society, co-founded by Mr. Sullivan. The awards were created to honor Mr. Sullivan after his death, by a committee of the NYSS including, former U.S. President Grover Cleveland.

The awards recognize college students and members of the college community who have noble character and act as humble servants, placing service to others before self-interest.

The Sullivan Awards, the only national collegiate service awards, are considered the most prestigious awards bestowed upon students.

Typically awarded to graduating seniors, student recipients are honored for their service to the campus community and the community at large.

Sullivan Award recipients come from a wide range of backgrounds and have gone on to have careers in everything from medicine, law, science, dance, engineering and entrepreneurship.

View Award Winners

Have you received a Sullivan Award?

Have you received a Sullivan Award?

We would love to get you involved in the Sullivan Network.

Discover career opportunities, professional development, and mentorship experiences to help you continue leading change.

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Notable recipients include

Notable recipients include

  • Seth Shelden – UN Liaison for the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN); 2017 Nobel Peace Prize.
  • Ken Mattingly – U.S. Astronaut who flew on Apollo 16.
  • Mister (Fred) Rogers – TV Personality; creator and host of the preschool television series Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.
  • Eleanor Roosevelt – U.S. First Lady from 1933 to 1945 (longest serving in U.S. history); diplomat, and activist.
  • Kitty O’Brien Joyner – First female engineer at NASA.
  • James F. Brynes – Supreme Court Justice, U.S. Senator, and U.S. Secretary of State.
  • Hester Davis – Arkansas’ first State Archaeologist

The Sullivan Luminary Award

Celebrating a legacy of service

Celebrating a legacy of service

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.

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

Nominate an Alum for the Luminary Award

<< Nominations will be considered for 2024 recipients

Faculty & Staff Awards

Our Faculty & Staff play a critical role in the Sullivan network. The Faculty & Staff Engagement Award goes to one individual who has demonstrated extraordinary engagement in Sullivan programming over the years.

2023 Faculty & Staff Engagement Award Recipient: Alyssa Martina, Elon University

Additionally, we present Faculty & Staff Regional Service Awards to individuals who have been nominated by their school who are providing service above themselves on their campuses.

2023 Faculty & Staff Regional Service Award Recipients: Rebecca Parrish, Converse University; Dr. Alysa Handelsman, Wofford College; Darryl White Sr., Queens University of Charlotte

“I was shocked and speechless when I heard my name.  It truly was a testament that when you give to your community, the acknowledgement and support will exist without asking for it.”

Rita Castañon, 2022 Sullivan Award Winner
Carson Newman University

“I was shocked and speechless when I heard my name.  It truly was a testament that when you give to your community, the acknowledgement and support will exist without asking for it.”

Rita Castañon, 2022 Sullivan Award Winner
Carson Newman University