At Lincoln Memorial University, the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation empowers undergraduate students to become changemakers through leadership development, community service, and transformative educational experiences.
The Foundation established ties with LMU in the 1950s as part of its broader initiative to expand academic opportunity throughout Appalachia. In 1950, the university named Nannie Greene as its first Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award recipient. To honor the principal architect of the Foundation—Algernon’s son, George—the Foundation later established the George Hammond Sullivan Chair of Christian Ethics and Philosophy at LMU with a $30,000 gift distributed over five years, beginning in 1957.
Since that time, the Foundation has remained a generous supporter of LMU, including the creation of an endowed scholarship fund that has continued to benefit students from the twentieth century into the twenty-first.
Ignite Retreats offer LMU students a powerful introduction to Sullivan leadership values through reflection, dialogue, and community-building experiences. Retreats are held in both the spring and fall and are open to students interested in exploring leadership and service. Each semester, LMU provides registration, travel, and accommodation expenses for six students who wish to attend the retreat in Mt. Junaluska, North Carolina.
Off-campus immersive leadership experience
Meet students from across LMU and other Sullivan schools
No cost for housing or transportation
Ideal for first-year and sophomore students
Learn more about Ignite Retreats
Apply to attend an Ignite Retreat with LMU (expenses waived)
The Sullivan Fellows Program is a selective, multi-year leadership experience for students who demonstrate character, curiosity, and a commitment to service. Fellows engage in retreats, discussions, service projects, and mentoring that challenge them to think deeply about leadership and responsibility. LMU Sullivan Fellows also receive scholarship support as they explore their passions and develop into changemakers.
Open to rising sophomores at LMU
Focus on ethical leadership and personal development
Opportunities for funded retreats and experiential learning
Join a national network of Sullivan Fellows
Learn More About the Sullivan Fellows Program
Apply to the Sullivan Fellows Program *Special note: LMU covers the $1,500 fee for its two selected fellows!*
Each year, Lincoln Memorial University recognizes individuals whose lives exemplify the ideals of the Sullivan Foundation through the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Medallion and the Mary Mildred Sullivan Medallion. The Sullivan Awards are the only national collegiate service awards given out in the nation, and are considered the most prestigious awards bestowed upon students.These honorees reflect extraordinary character, compassion, and commitment to service. Awarded to graduating seniors, student recipients are honored for their service to the campus community and to the community at large.
View and Search for Past Recipients from Both LMU and Beyond Here.
