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
Created in 1890 and presented 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 colleges and 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 with noble character and hearts of a humble servant, who place service 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.
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
- Lewis Powell Jr. – Supreme Court Justice from 1971 to 1987.
- Cynthia Bathurst – Animal rights activist.
- Patrick Matsikenyiri – Prominent pastor, African music educator, and hymn writer.
- Lanecia Rouse Tinsley – Artist, speaker and writer.
- William Henry Willimon – Prominent theologian and bishop.
- Wil Lou Gray – Innovator in alternative education.
- Robert Gates – U.S. Secretary of Defense from 2006 to 2011.
- Betty Rosenquest Pratt – Women’s Tennis Star and women’s rights activist.
- Nathan Deal – Georgia Governor from 2011 to 2019.
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
Nominations are OPEN for 2025 recipients.
Nominations are OPEN for 2025 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 Recipient
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 Recipient
Carson Newman University
