Sullivan Award Nominations Accepted Until April 7

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 30, 2017) — Nominations for the 2017 Sullivan Awards, the University of Kentucky's prestigious honor for inspirational humanitarian achievements by students and community members, are being taken until 4 p.m. Friday, April 7.

Three winners, an outstanding graduating woman, an outstanding graduating man and a distinguished community member, will be formally recognized in a ceremony April 18. They will receive a Sullivan Medallion and a certificate signed by UK President Eli Capilouto.

Students who are eligible to receive the 2017 award must have graduated no earlier than August 2016 or will graduate in May 2017.  The citizen must have a University of Kentucky connection as an employee, alumnus/alumna or friend.

The criteria for selection, which puts a premium on character, integrity and humanitarian service, are written in the spirit of Algernon Sydney Sullivan, a Southerner who became a prominent lawyer, businessman and philanthropist in New York in the late 19th century. The guidelines state that "in the selection of the recipients nothing shall be considered except the possession of such characteristics of heart, mind, and conduct as evince a spirit of love for helpfulness to other men and women." 

Begin the nomination process by sending an email to Buck Ryan, chairman of the Sullivan Committee at buck.ryan@uky.edu. Nominations typically have supporting letters describing how the nominee meets the criteria set forth for the Award.

Officially known as the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Awards, they were established by the New York Southern Society in 1925. UK has been recognizing Sullivan Award winners since 1927 and is one of several Southern universities that present Sullivan Awards, sponsored by the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation.

For more information about the award, previous winners, and how to nominate someone, visit the UK Sullivan Award website at http://www.uky.edu/SullivanAward/.