Shenandoah University presented the 2025 Algernon Sydney Sullivan Awards to recent graduates Liberty Tennyson ’25 and Logan Williams ’24, ’28 at its Baccalaureate service on May 23.
Each year, the Algernon Sydney Sullivan and Mary Mildred Sullivan awards are presented to deserving individuals at over 70 colleges and universities in the U.S. First awarded in 1890, the Sullivan Awards recognize individuals of noble character who act as humble servants and place service to others above self-interest. According to the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation, the Sullivan Awards are the only national collegiate service awards in the U.S.
Liberty Tennyson
Tennyson graduated in May 2025 with bachelor’s degrees in political science, history and global studies and an undergraduate certificate in Civil War era studies. A stalwart of Shenandoah’s Center for Civic Engagement, Tennyson is passionate about educating others on the importance of voting and the democratic process – she was recognized nationally for her efforts in 2023 – and is dedicated to helping others.
“Liberty’s most notable quality is her commitment to community service,” her nominator wrote. “She has a genuine passion for engaging others in service and political action. She seeks ways to impress upon others the value of serving one’s community by participating in the democratic process. She understands that in order to make changes to improve the lives of her fellow community members, she must be a champion for those who are underrepresented, and she never hesitates to share this knowledge with her classmates, friends and work-study colleagues. I believe that Liberty can truly change the world around her!”
Tennyson’s nominator stated that Tennyson demonstrates honesty and trustworthiness in academics and her personal life, is reliable and believes in treating others equally and with kindness.
Liberty truly invests herself in the wellbeing of others. She develops an awareness of the concerns and needs of those working alongside her, and always represents herself as a ‘team player,’ whether her team be athletes, fellow Work-Study employees or classmates. She looks for the good in others and helps them reach their potential. She never shies away from interacting with someone who is different from her, and she makes a point of welcoming all students, encouraging them to express their diverse selves. She has tremendous compassion for others, which drives her to act as an advocate when she sees the need.”
Liberty Tennyson’s nominator
Logan Williams
Williams earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Shenandoah in December 2024 and is pursuing a Master of Science in clinical mental health counseling. A veteran of the United States Army, Williams advocates for his fellow veterans – he’s a member, and past president, of Shenandoah Veterans and Supporters, a student-led organization that provides support for military members and their families at SU – and is committed to “elevating marginalized voices,” according to his nominator, who also noted Williams’ contributions to Shenandoah University’s land acknowledgement.
“Logan approaches every challenge with moral courage, consistently choosing what is right over what is expedient or popular,” the nominator wrote. “His authenticity and transparency inspire deep trust, as both peers and faculty know they can depend on his word and judgment. Logan carries himself with a remarkable humility that allows his actions to speak louder than words, focusing on creating meaningful impact rather than seeking personal recognition.”
Willliams views his leadership as a “platform for uplifting others and ensuring no one faces their challenges alone,” according to the nominator, and he “creates spaces where students feel genuinely seen and valued, providing “practical support and compassion” to those who need it.
Logan transforms everyday campus experiences through his genuine presence and thoughtful engagement, elevating routine interactions into moments of connection and growth. His dedicated work spotlighting the veteran community has created visibility and understanding for a vital but often overlooked population on campus. Logan’s persistent advocacy challenges the university to continually improve its policies and practices, never settling for the status quo when students’ needs are at stake. His work on the land acknowledgement brought beauty to our community by creating space for recognition, reconciliation, and deeper understanding across cultural divides. Logan possesses a remarkable ability to see potential in others, helping them discover strengths they didn’t know they possessed even during their most challenging moments.”
Logan Williams’ nominator
