Presentation of Award by Tom Shandley
– Dean of Students
The 2007 Algernon Sydney Sullivan Community Award goes to
not one but two who are most deserved of this distinction. In fact, our recipients received 11
nominations from students, faculty and staff.
For over a decade, this couple has opened their hearts and
home to dozens of international students and their friends. Each year at Thanksgiving or Christmas their
home is filled with students, grateful for the meal and the welcome. They have been the source of wisdom, advice,
encouragement and love for many who are missing home as well as adjusting to
As one said, “they
have given of their self in the most personal way – picking up dozens of
international students – newly-arrived to American and North Carolina at the
airport, taking us into their home and lives with generosity and ease.”
Another said – “Getting
to know them has been crucial in my settling in at Davidson. When I need to get off campus, or when I
crave some good home-cooked food, I know I can always count on them. They offer a safe, nurturing and fun
environment where students hang out for hours.”
“Although most of
us will only be here for 4 years, graduate and go back to our country, it is an
unchallengeable truth that we will never forget all they have done for us. They have no idea how much good will they
have spread for so many … it cannot pass unnoticed. While
I do not know if I will be able to given them back so much love I am sure I
will spread more love to others because they have taught me that.”
Their involvement in our community has not just been
limited to international students. They attend every home man’s basketball game
and have included basketball players among their “adopted” children. As Coach McKillop says in his nomination, “they have a spirit of service
unmatched. They have opened their home;
they have opened their hearts; they have committed their spirit – a spirit that
is gracious and generous.”
For caring and feeding of so many of our students; for your
generosity of heart, time and spirit, for spreading your good will to those for
whom you have no formal connection other than a heartstring that stretches from
here to many distant places, we honor you and celebrate you both as our 2007
Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award Recipients:
Jerry
and Gwyn Hollenbeck