Shenandoah University presented the 2024 Algernon Sydney Sullivan Awards to recent graduates Maya Horner ’24 and Gabriella Raspanti ’24 and Associate Professor of Physician Assistant Studies Michelle Gruver, D.M.S., PA-C.
Each year, the Sullivan Awards are presented to deserving individuals at over 70 colleges and universities in the U.S. First awarded in 1890, this award recognizes individuals of noble character who act as humble servants and place service to others above self-interest.
Maya Horner
Horner graduated in May with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish. She tutored her peers in biology, exercise science and Spanish, and was a student in Shenandoah University’s Honors Program, a Hornet Ambassador, a Shenandoah Conversations fellow, and a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee while playing for SU’s women’s soccer program for four years.
During her time as a Shenandoah student, Horner’s service to others expanded beyond the university community. She volunteered as a Spanish-speaking assistant at Sinclair Health Clinic in Winchester and as a coach for Girls on the Run, and aided in Winchester Public Schools’ Dual Language Immersion Program. Horner is also working on a project to educate the area’s Spanish-speaking community about emotional first aid.
She is a deeply compassionate person who has made the most of her college experience, from considering how to improve the human condition through holistic approaches to health care, to getting outside of her comfort zone and opening herself to new experiences, to exploring the world in hopes of developing the perspective of an ethical global citizen.”
A faculty nominator
If, as an institution, we hope to educate individuals to be critical, reflective thinkers; lifelong learners; and ethical, compassionate citizens who are committed to making responsible contributions within a community, a nation and the world, Maya is the poster child for our mission. She has developed amazing critical skills in these years that, combined with her noble nature, are clearly influencing her philanthropic contributions she is already putting into place. SU and the world are better places because of Maya.”
A faculty nominator
Gabriella Raspanti
Raspanti graduated in May with a Bachelor of Science in nursing. She was the head nursing tutor and president of Shenandoah University Nursing Mentors, and donated her time to assist the Eleanor Wade Custer School of Nursing with events such as open houses, new student orientations and Admitted First-Year Students Day. Raspanti was an SU orientation leader and a member of the university’s Center for Civic Engagement.
During her time as a student, Raspanti successfully balanced her rigorous academic requirements as a nursing student and her athletic responsibilities as a member of Shenandoah’s women’s lacrosse program. Raspanti is a member of the Shenandoah chapters of the Alpha Lambda Delta and Omicron Delta Kappa national honor societies and was a team captain for Shenandoah’s women’s lacrosse team, which reached the NCAA Division III tournament for the first time in program history in 2024. According to a faculty member who nominated Raspanti for the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, Raspanti would frequently make dinner for her lacrosse teammates who were first-year nursing students.
Gabby is one of those students that you come across in your program unexpectedly who makes you stop and say WOW! I am in awe of Gabby for so many reasons. She is kind and giving toward others, she has a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and goes above and beyond for her classmates, fellow nursing students, teammates, and her friends. Gabby is one of those inspiring individuals that I cannot say enough about. She will make such an impact on the nursing profession because of her true character and how she treats others. Gabby is so humble and hard-working and anyone she encounters in her future nursing profession as a co-worker or as a patient will be impacted by her.”
A faculty nominator
Michelle Gruver
Dr. Gruver is the faculty recipient of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award in recognition of her service to Shenandoah University’s health-care programs and contributions to the health and wellness of the broader community. Gruver was the lead faculty and preceptor for a faculty/student-led clinic offering free medical care every Tuesday evening to the unserved patient population in Winchester at the Sinclair Health Clinic. Her volunteer work as a provider and preceptor for the clinic – which included students from Shenandoah’s physician assistant studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and music therapy programs – over a six-year span contributed to improving access to medical care for uninsured patients.
Gruver, who has been employed at SU since 2016, is an active member in the Virginia Academy of Physician Assistants and Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) organizations.
Dr. Gruver values higher education and completed her doctorate (although in our field this is not required) and is a lifelong learner. She advocates for students in our graduate health program who need extra help. She is an all-around compassionate person and displays that in her interactions with faculty, staff and students. Dr. Gruver makes this world and our university work environment a better place with her sweet personality and high character.”
A faculty nominator
