Grace Smith
2020 Student Co-Recipient
Grace Smith will receive her Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience with double minors in Psychology and Religion this May. Her nominator, Libby Boehne, wrote that Grace
. . . exhibits a spirit of love and service to others more than any twenty-two-year-old I have met.
In her personal statement, Grace shared the importance of extending her hands to others in the spirit of selflessness and pursuit of integrity. This act of humility allows her love for others to flow from her heart to theirs through selfless acts of service. The Sullivan Award seeks to perpetuate the excellence of character and humanitarian service of Algernon Sydney Sullivan by recognizing and honoring such qualities in others.
Grace plays a key role in the Duke Presbyterian Campus Ministry+ by serving as a student pastor, organizing service events, serving as an ally and as PCM+’s treasurer to assist the organization of a Queer and Trans Christians discussion group, and serving as a source of support to those who are in need. However, Grace’s impact extends beyond her service with PCM+. She is a leader, vice president this year, on the club swim team. She is no speedster but is fostering a culture of character, support and empowerment both inside and beyond Taishoff Aquatics Pavilion via the Moral Support Squad. This group swims in the Fun Lane (lane 1) but bring positive energy to the meets. Additionally, Grace has participated over the past 3.5 years in a community of seeing and being seen with the adults at Reality Ministries, some of whom may have developmental disabilities.
We applaud Grace for extending her hands to help, encourage, embrace and celebrate her community as she continues this journey of loving and serving others with her whole life.