The Algernon Sydney Sullivan and Mary Mildred Sullivan awards have been given out since 1890. The awards were first presented by the membership of the New York Southern Society, including former US President Grover Cleveland. They recognize college students and members of the college community of noble character who have acted as humble servants to others by putting service of others before self-interest. The award is presented each year by more than 70 colleges and universities within the American South.
The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation provides scholarship funding to students in undergraduate programs at 23 private colleges and universities in the American South. The scholarships are awarded to incoming freshmen students and are renewable for four years of studies. The Foundation currently awards approximately $500,000 annually in scholarship funds to participating schools and has established endowment funds at most schools to support Sullivan Scholarships as well as social entrepreneurship programming.
The Sullivan Scholarships are based on the students’ personal character, integrity, and service to others and to their communities. Sullivan Scholarships are not awarded on the basis of financial need, nor for academic or athletic achievement. Each individual school selects its recipients.
