Sullivan Foundation Celebrates Centennial of Service at Vanderbilt, Honors Walmart Executive with 2025 Luminary Award

NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation will celebrate 100 years of honoring leadership and service during the 2025 Sullivan Showcase Centennial Celebration, set for April 11 at Vanderbilt University's Wyatt Center.

First bestowed at Peabody College in 1925, the Sullivan Award has expanded to more than 70 Southern institutions, recognizing students, faculty and alumni who exemplify compassion, integrity and a commitment to service. This year's celebration underscores the award's unwavering commitment to inspiring growth and social responsibility by spotlighting the philanthropic work of Ms. Julie Gehrki, an alumna of Rhodes College and president of the Walmart Foundation, who will receive the 2025 Sullivan Luminary Award. Attendees will gather in The Wyatt Center's rotunda to reflect on a century of service.

The Luminary Award is given to former Sullivan Award recipients whose careers embody the spirit of "service above self." Gehrki earned the Sullivan Award as a student at Rhodes College, where she dedicated herself to local community service initiatives. Since then, she has overseen Walmart's global philanthropic efforts, guiding support for hunger relief, small business growth and disaster response.

"This extraordinary occasion brings us back to our roots at Peabody College, now part of Vanderbilt. In 1925, the Sullivan Award was first presented at Peabody," said Sullivan Foundation President Steve McDavid. "Julie's leadership and compassion demonstrate the lasting impact of values introduced to students as they strive to make the world better."

Founded in 1930, the Sullivan Foundation was created to sustain Algernon Sydney Sullivan's legacy of uplifting communities through service. Each year, participating colleges present Sullivan Awards to graduating seniors and community members of noble character who have placed service above self. The Centennial Celebration also includes the unveiling of a newly curated exhibit featuring original artwork donated to Peabody College by George Sullivan, Algernon's son, in 1913.

The evening's program will commence with a reception and dinner, followed by the presentation of the Luminary Award. Attendees will learn about the evolution of the Sullivan Network, which has grown well beyond Nashville, uniting thousands of alumni, educators and partners committed to conscientious service, philanthropy, and leadership in business, government and nonprofit sectors.

The celebration is free for registered guests and open to all past Sullivan Award recipients, higher education leaders, philanthropic professionals and community members.

"This centennial milestone honors many decades of dedicated service and the bright future awaiting each new Sullivan honoree," McDavid said. "We look forward to inspiring the next generation of leaders who will carry forward the ideals of service, integrity and compassion."

For more information or to RSVP, visit www.sullivanfdn.org/100-year-celebration/ or contact Kevin J. Seddon at 662-816-5964 or [email protected].

Contact: Kevin J. Seddon
Phone: 662-816-5964
Email: [email protected] 

SOURCE The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation