Two Generations, One Legacy: Elizabeth Yeager Washington and Her Grandmother’s Sullivan Award Story

In the fields of academia and community service, few stories resonate as significantly as that of Elizabeth Yeager Washington, a distinguished professor at the University of Florida, and her grandmother, Isabelle Nichols Yeager. Both women were honored with the prestigious Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, a recognition that highlights their outstanding contributions to their communities as well as their character. As the Sullivan Foundation celebrates a century of honoring such virtues, the narrative of Elizabeth and Isabelle stands as a testament to the Award’s enduring significance.

A Family Tradition of Commitment and Excellence

Elizabeth’s path to receiving the Sullivan Award at the University of Alabama in 1983 was paved, in advance, with a family heritage rich in service and education. Her grandmother, a respected figure at Judson College, had previously received the award, recognized for years of selfless dedication to supporting students and exemplifying service above self.

For Elizabeth, her journey was marked by significant contributions as a student at the University of Alabama, at least initially. Her involvement in student government and various honor societies reflected her commitment to engagement on campus. However, at the time, it was her courageous stance during a pivotal student body president campaign that truly embodied the spirit of the Sullivan Award.

Championing Democratic Values in a Challenging Campaign

Elizabeth’s character shone brightly during the university’s student body president campaign, where she supported a friend’s independent candidacy against the dominant political group on campus. This bold decision led to personal challenges and pressure from her peers. “I supported my friend, and he won the election,” explained Elizabeth. And, although there was a cost for her stance at the time, her dedication to fairness and friendship, did not go unnoticed by the faculty at Alabama.

The campaign was a formative experience for Elizabeth, reinforcing her dedication to democratic principles and civic education. This defining moment in her life was not just about the campaign’s success but about standing up for justice and equality, core values of the Sullivan Award.

Elizabeth later recalled about her friend, “I hadn’t talked to him in a long time; however, I was able to track him down and email him last year to say, ‘I just want you to know how much working with you meant to me, and how much I think it influenced my desire to be someone who advocates for civic education.'”

Academic Pursuits and a Lifelong Commitment to Civic Education

Elizabeth’s academic journey is as impressive as her advocacy. She earned her B.A. in International Studies from the University of Alabama, followed by an M.A.T. in History from Georgia State University, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from The University of Texas at Austin. Her focus on civic education was significantly influenced by her college experiences and her time teaching in the Czech Republic, where she witnessed first-hand the transformative power of democratic movements. She has since returned to the Czech Republic as a J. William Fulbright Distinguished Scholar in 2023.

These experiences shaped her into a leading figure in her field, focusing her research on empowering future educators to foster democratic discourse and understanding. Her scholarly work reflects her passion for promoting active citizenship and a democratic way of life, a mission that seems increasingly more relevant today both here in the United States as well as abroad.

Continuing a Legacy of Service and Integrity

Today, as Elizabeth continues her work in civic education, her story serves as a narrative of how service, integrity, and courage can shape one’s path and influence others. Both she and her grandmother exemplify the essence of the Sullivan Award, serving as inspirations for upholding virtuous principles and building a community rooted in respect, inclusion, and democratic values.

Both stories highlight a generational continuity of service and education. Despite facing personal challenges, Elizabeth’s grandmother remained a steadfast supporter of her students at Judson College, embodying the Award’s ideals. It’s also clear Elizabeth grew up in a family where service was a way of life. Her mother, a teacher for 30 years, and her father, a CPA were actively involved in community service and instilled in her the values of giving back and being a conscientious community member.

Elizabeth’s journey and her family’s legacy of service are more than individual accolades; they show the importance of striving to make a positive difference in the world. The Sullivan Award, for both Elizabeth and Isabelle, serves as recognition of their character and sacrifice, celebrating the willingness to stand up for what is right and to serve their communities selflessly. Their stories are woven into the fabric of the Sullivan Foundation’s century-long history and continue to inspire and shape the future of service and education.

The 100 Year Anniversary of The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award

The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation commemorates 100 years of the Sullivan Award, an honor that stands unparalleled as the only service-focused accolade presented in American higher education. Historic institutions have been presenting the Sullivan Award for generations, often as the school’s highest and most esteemed designation. The Sullivan Award is not merely a recognition of academic excellence or proven leadership; it’s a symbol of the recipient’s deep commitment to community, integrity, and service to others.