The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award

The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award was established in 1890 to honor individuals who exhibit nobility of character, exemplified by selfless service to others and the community. This is the University of Mississippi’s highest award in honor of service. Award criteria emphasize placing service to others and the community before oneself, while embodying the qualities of honesty, morality, ethics, integrity, responsibility, determination, courage, and compassion. Individuals who do not actively seek recognition are prime candidates for this award. To learn more, visit the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation.


Click here to NOMINATE someone for the 2019 Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award

Submit 2019 NOMINATION


The 2018 Celebration of Service took place on April 3, 2018. The 2018 honorees were:

Sullivan Award Recipient – Community Member: Ann G. O’Dell

Sullivan Award Recipient – University of Mississippi Student: Terrius Harris

Sullivan Award Finalists – University of Mississippi Students: Zacchaeus McEwen, Sarah Robinson, and Yujing Zhang


The 2017 Celebration of Service took place on April 5, 2017. The 2017 honorees were:

Sullivan Award Recipient – Community Member: Jo Ann O’Quin

Sullivan Award Recipient – University of Mississippi Alumnus: Don Cole

Sullivan Award Recipient – University of Mississippi Student: Miller Richmond

Sullivan Award Finalists – University of Mississippi Students: Austin Powell, Acacia Santos, and Charlie Walker


The 2016 Celebration of Service took place on April 6, 2016. The 2016 honorees were:

Sullivan Award Recipient – Community Member: Barbara Wortham

Sullivan Award Recipient – University of Mississippi Student: Ann-Marie Herod

Sullivan Award Finalists – University of Mississippi Students: Tobi Ku, Caroline Loveless, Patrick Reed, and Bethany Summerford


The 2015 Celebration of Service took place on April 14th, 2015. The 2015 honorees were:

Sullivan Award Recipient: Chancellor Dan Jones

Sullivan Award Recipient – Community Member: Darryail Whittington

Sullivan Award Recipient – University of Mississippi Student: Deterrian Shackelford

Sullivan Award Finalists – University of Mississippi Students: Sarah Ball and Felicia Pollard


The Sullivan Award was presented at the Inaugural Celebration of Service on April 9th, 2014. The 2014 honorees were:

Sullivan Award Recipient – Community Member: Carol Van Besien

Sullivan Award Recipient – University of Mississippi Student: Mary-Haston Leary

Sullivan Award Finalists – University of Mississippi Students: Conner Clark, Deterrian “D.T.” Shackelford, and Devin Thomas