The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award was established at the University of Virginia in the fall of 1926, where it immediately received the endorsement of both the faculty and the student body. Dr. J. L. Newcomb, assistant to the president of the university, was of great assistance to the Committee in coordinating the effort to finalize the establishment of the award. In one of his letters, he wrote:
“We wish to express again our high appreciation of the establishment in the University of Virginia of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award. The University of Virginia is so anxious that this Award shall be a real distinction to be conferred only upon those who conspicuously deserve it, that we deem it unwise to attempt, in so short a time, to make any Award for this session, which closes on June 14 (1927). You may be assured that the proper machinery for passing sound judgment upon those who should be considered for such a distinction will be set up beginning with the session of 1927-28.”
At the time, Dr. Newcomb informed the press of the university’s decision. In another later letter he wrote:
“We have recently had letters urging a student of the University of Virginia for this Award next session. I want you to know that this Award is proving to be interesting and attractive to the people of the State.”
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