Madison Alliston
APRIL 11, 2022 BY EDWIN SMITH
The University of Mississippi Division of Diversity and Community Engagement will recognize outstanding accomplishments in community-engaged research, learning, service and scholarship Tuesday (April 12) during its annual Celebration of Service Awards.
The program begins at 2 p.m. in the Johnson Commons Ballroom. Honors to be presented include the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, the Excellence in Community Engagement Award and the new Community Engaged Partnership Fund.
“This year’s Celebration of Service shines a spotlight on individuals who exemplify the value of selfless service, elevates a yearslong program that moves towards bridging the trauma and complexity our local history with the beauty of our potential,” said Cade Smith, assistant vice chancellor for community engagement.
The Sullivan Award student recipients is Madison Alliston, a junior public policy leadership major from Hattiesburg.
Alliston, who also serves as coordinator of food, housing and poverty areas for the UM Office of Community Engagement, has been involved in service activities since her freshman year. A member of the Luckyday program, she has worked to get fellow Luckyday student involved in the LOU community through such programs as Habitat for Humanity.
She has worked with the More Than a Meal, Doors of Hope and Oxford Community Market organizations and helped the UM School of Business Administration create a micro-internship program. After graduation, she plans to attend law school and specialize in advocating for vulnerable populations.
The award was established in 1890 by the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation to honor individuals who exhibit character, exemplified by selfless service to others and the community.
“This award is the University of Mississippi’s highest award in honor of service,” said Katlyn Tidwell, a graduate assistant in marketing and communication for community engagement. “Award criteria emphasize placing service to others and the community before oneself, while embodying the qualities of honesty, morality, ethics, integrity, responsibility, determination, courage and compassion.”