Awards

Each year the Division of Student Affairs, in conjunction with other offices and departments across the University, presents many coveted awards to outstanding Mercerians.  These awards are listed below.  For more information and a list of winners specific to an award, click on an award name to be redirected to an information page.

Griffin B. Bell Award for Community Service

Eligibility:  

A graduating student from any of Mercer’s 12 schools and colleges

Criteria:    

• Exemplifies the true meaning of community service during their studies
• Has improved the lives of others through their dedication and commitment
• Has contributed to the University and/or the community

Wallace DuVall Excellence in Leadership Award

Eligibility:    

A graduating senior from one of the University’s undergraduate schools and colleges

Criteria:

• Leadership - has the ability to motivate and inspire the confidence and trust of others
• Possesses vision, intelligence, integrity, and common sense
• Has a reasonably good academic performance, although the award is based on leadership ability and not on academic performance

The James T. McAfee, Jr. Endowed Vision and Leadership Scholarship Fund

Eligibility:

A junior, senior, or graduate student in the College of Liberal Arts, Stetson School of Business, Tift College of Education, School of Engineering, Townsend School of Music, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Georgia Baptist College of Nursing, School of Medicine, or McAfee School of Theology.

Louie D. Newton General Excellence Medal

Eligibility:    

A graduating senior from one of the University's undergraduate schools and colleges (must have completed final two years of academic study in residency on Mercer-Macon campus)

Criteria:      

Scholastic Achievement (represents 50% of evaluation)  

i.    A general love of learning and a scholastic performance sufficient to qualify for 

    Graduation with honors – not to be interpreted as departmental honors

    Personal Qualities (represents 50% of evaluation) 

i.    Personal integrity and character 

ii.    Service to campus community 

iii.    Commitment to spiritual values

iv.    Community service for which the candidate receives academic credit or payment

(stipend or salary) is not necessarily to be considered, but may be evaluated on an individual basis

Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award

Eligibility:  

Two awards: (1) one to a graduating senior from any of the University's undergradute schools and colleges; and (2) one to a graduating student from any of the University's graduate programs

Criteria:         

Nobility of character as demonstrated by:

• Thought, action, and commitment to placing service to others before themselves.
• The aggregate of honest, morality, ethics, integrity, responsibility, determination, courage, and compassion.
• A continuous expression of those high qualities which ennoble and beautify living, binding people together in mutual love and helpfulness.
• The award should not be tied to or influenced by academic achievement, athletic achievement, business success, professional ability, or political leadership.

Nomination Letters

Nomination letters should include:

1. the name of the award for which you are nominating the student 
2. how the student has met the criteria
3. why you feel this student would be the best candidate

If you feel a student is qualified for more than one award, please send separate letters for each award. Please send all nomination letters to josey_mt@mercer.edu (please place Commencement Award Nominee in the subject line).  All nominations must be received by 5 p.m. on February 2, 2024.