Sewanee students were recognized last week for their contributions to campus and community life. While the award winners were recognized individually at the event, all nominees were invited to attend in appreciation for their outstanding commitment during the 2011-2012 school year. In conjunction with the awards ceremony, a reunion was held for previous recipients of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan award and members of the Sullivan Foundation board to mark the 75th anniversary of the Sullivan Award at Sewanee.
The Student Government Association (SGA), which co-hosted the banquet with the Dean of Students office, presented the following awards:
- Advisor of the Year: Barbara Banks
- Best Educational Program: Sewanee Monologues
- Best Initiative to Raise Cross-Cultural Awareness: Outreach Break Trips
- Best Residence Hall Program: Dorm Energy Savings Competition
- Organization with the Greatest Positive Influence on Student Life: Sewanee Outing Program
- Most Creative Program Promotion: Sewanee Monologues
- Up and Coming Club: Beyond Sewanee
- Best Behind the Scenes Contributor: John Gilmer
- Community Builder Award: Watson Hartsoe
- Initiative Award: Courtney Hinkle
- Sewanee Spirit Award: Kelly O'Mara
- Volunteer of the Year: Blair Barrows
- James Philip Cole Award for a Freshman Athlete: De'Nard Ford
- Outstanding Individual Leadership Award: Grace Greenwell
Dean of Students Eric Hartman presented five Pearigen Awards for Commitment to Community, honoring students for their ability to synthesize their work inside and outside the classroom and in leadership roles as well as behind the scenes. The Pearigen Awards were given to Grace Greenwell, Will Watson, Andrew Gordon, Yuliana Muñoz-Paulino, and Anna Alkihani. The Pearigen Award is named for Robert Wesley Pearigen, C’76, former vice president for university relations and dean of students at Sewanee and current president of Millsaps College.
Dixon Myers and the Outreach Office recognized the Clarence Day Community Service award nominees: Blair Barrows, Glory Beveridge, Grace Greenwell, Kristin Hanson, Catherine Morahan, Jay Morgan, John Richards, Katherine Rogers, Carrie Ryan, Heather Thacker, Elizabeth Walker, Tess Waldrop, and Deanna Wolford. These seniors have left a lasting impression on our community through tutoring at Grundy County High School, work with the Blue Monarch, and volunteering at Sewanee Elementary School.
In addition to awards given by the SGA and Outreach Office, the awards banquet marks the occasion when nominees for the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award are revealed. This year’s Sullivan Award nominees are: Andrew Bradshaw, Jaime de la Fuente, Andrew Gordon, Grace Greenwell, Kristin Hanson, Luca Koritsanszky, Will Matson, Quersten McDonald, Danielle McIntyre, John Richards, Aaron Rutz, Carrie Ryan, and Will Stanley.
More than 20 previous Sullivan award recipients returned to the Mountain to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Sullivan Award at Sewanee with members of the Sullivan Foundation board. Steve McDavid, president of the Sullivan Foundation, offered remarks on the significance of the award, and Vice-Chancellor John McCardell read a letter written by Betsy Etchells, daughter of Wiley Mitchell, who received the first Sullivan Award in 1937. It was an apt reminder of Sewanee’s past and an inspiration for current and future student leaders.
- Caroline Tanner, with photos by Tyler Cooney