By Steve McDavid, President, Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation

Welcome to the Spring 2020 edition of Engage. This issue offers a wide range of feature stories, from student experiences at our Summer 2019 study-abroad program in Prague and Berry College’s first-ever Sullivan Scholar to a look back at one of Rollins College’s most beloved alumni—Fred Rogers of “Mister Rogers” fame.

We’re also excited about upcoming Sullivan events and programs scheduled for the spring and summer of 2020. First up: Our Spring Ignite Retreat, which takes place March 27-29 in Wake Forest, N.C. Once again Spud Marshall will lead our student attendees on a changemaking adventure, and he has recruited an impressive roster of facilitators to guide them on their journey. These include returning favorites like Josh Nadzam of On the Move Art Studio and Reagan Pugh of Assemble as well as several newcomers, such as Jarren Small of Reading With a Rapper and U-Turn’s Adrienne Wright. Additionally, the Sullivan Summit for Faculty and Staff, to be held in conjunction with the Ignite Retreat, will provide a professional development opportunity that will deepen attendees’ understanding of social entrepreneurship. The deadline to register for both the Ignite Retreat and the Sullivan Summit is March 11.

Meanwhile, students with a passion for social change and entrepreneurship will get a chance to put their skills to work in one of the country’s most impoverished cities—Selma, Alabama—during this summer’s inaugural Selma Community Innovation Immersion Program. From May 17 through June 5, participants will work with Edmundite Missions, which has served people in need for more than 80 years. Students will spend this two-week period mentoring youths, improving community food programs and developing a marketing plan for the Edmundites’ social enterprises. Applications for this program are due April 3.

We’ll also offer a once-in-a-lifetime study-abroad opportunity in Edinburgh, Scotland, from June 4 through July 4. Students will meet and learn from leading social entrepreneurs while taking two courses: Leadership by Design, which focuses on the practice of leadership, and Social Change in Action, an introduction to the emerging field of social entrepreneurship and innovation. The deadline for this program, offered in partnership with Arcadia University, is coming up fast—Feb. 7—so sign up now.

We anticipate that 2020 will be an exciting year for the Sullivan Foundation, and we hope it will be equally productive for our partner schools and their faculty, staff and students. We welcome your feedback on this issue of Engage and invite you to suggest story ideas for our Fall 2020 issue as well. As always, thank you for your support.

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