Vanderbilt University Commemorates 100 Years of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award

Vanderbilt University Commemorates a Century of Honor

Vanderbilt University is on the cusp of a significant milestone, as it prepares to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award. This prestigious honor was first presented at Peabody College, now a part of Vanderbilt, back in 1925, marking the inception of a noble tradition dedicated to recognizing students who exemplify integrity, character, and a profound commitment to serving others.

Heading into this centennial celebration, Vanderbilt is set to bestow the Sullivan Award upon an outstanding graduating senior during its undergraduate Commencement ceremony on May 9, 2025. This year’s event will take place at GEODIS Park, the home of the Nashville Soccer Club, providing a vibrant backdrop for commemorating both the accomplishments of the Class of 2025 and the significant century-long legacy of the Sullivan Award.

In addition to recognizing the award recipient, the centennial coincides with a larger celebratory effort organized by the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation. The Sullivan Showcase, a recent event held on April 11, garnered participation from over a hundred alumni, educators, and supporters, all united by the impact of the Sullivan values.

At the Sullivan Showcase, the Sullivan Luminary Award was presented to Julie Gehrki, a Rhodes College alumna and current president of the Walmart Foundation. Her extensive philanthropic efforts, which span grassroots initiatives to managing global giving programs, highlight the service-oriented spirit that the Sullivan Foundation embodies. “Julie Gehrki's journey underscores the lasting impact of values instilled in Sullivan Award recipients,” noted Steve McDavid, President of the Sullivan Foundation.

The Showcase was not only a recognition of accomplished individuals like Gehrki but also served to honor Dr. Sharon Shields. A recent recipient of Vanderbilt's Faculty Sullivan Award, Dr. Shields has made significant contributions in service-learning and health equity. Her role in reviving the Sullivan Award tradition at Vanderbilt, after discovering historical plaques of early recipients, is a testament to the ongoing importance of the values the award represents.

This year’s Commencement ceremony will commence at 9 a.m., spotlighting both the graduation of the Class of 2025 and the ongoing legacy of celebrating student leaders who strive to enhance their communities. As McDavid highlighted during the festivities, “As we celebrate this historic moment, we renew our commitment to fostering generations of compassionate leaders dedicated to serving others—just as Algernon Sydney Sullivan envisioned more than a century ago.”

About the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation

Founded in 1930, the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation continues to honor the principles of compassion, integrity, and dedication to service. The Foundation has created a network of over 70 institutions across the South, all striving to inspire young leaders who aim to uplift their communities. As Vanderbilt University steps into this pivotal year, the Sullivan legacy thrives, continually shaping the future's landscape of altruism and service.