Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award

The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award is an award presented to graduating seniors, alumni, and community members of selected colleges and universities in the Southern United States for excellence of character and service to humanity.  At Elon, two graduating seniors and one faculty or staff member are recognized annually for their honesty, morality, ethics, integrity, responsibility, determination, courage, and compassion.

Presented by Jon Dooley, Vice President of Student Life and Associate Professor of Education

Transcript of Commendations

Jon Dooley, Vice President of Student Life and Associate Professor of Education

Each year the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award is presented to two students and one faculty or staff member.  Sponsored by the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation, these awards recognize college students across the country who put service of others before self-interest. We celebrate individuals here at Elon who demonstrate the highest standards of character, integrity, and leadership in service to others and the community.

One of our recipients this year is Shariq Ali, a senior from Dallas, TX, majoring in International and Global Studies and Policy Studies. Shariq is recognized across campus as a servant leader that leads with humble strength. One nominator described Shariq as someone who “listens intently to others, asserts important questions and ideas when meaningful, and ALWAYS takes action for the betterment of the whole,” – certainly describing someone with the heart of a servant.

He has held several leadership positions within the Elon International Society and in each role he has consistently worked to bring the international community and its advocates and friends together in fun, creative and thoughtful ways. He holds true to the integrity of the organization and collaborates closely with the executive team, other members, and other clubs to provide opportunities to commemorate special events, celebrations and traditions…and simply to create opportunities to spend quality time together.

Shariq has been an active leader in Elon Muslim Society and in creating community for South Asian students from multiple traditions. As a multifaith engagement intern, he was instrumental in working with various stakeholders to deepen how we commemorate and celebrate Diwali and Holi to provide a more authentic educational experience for the Elon community.

Whenever I’ve run into Shariq on campus over the years, I have always walked away from our conversation feeling better about my day. I’ve also heard that he has some phenomenal karaoke skills, but cannot verify that personally…

It is with great pleasure that I present the 2020 Algernon Sydney Sullivan award to Shariq Ali.