Jennifer L. Garst
2003 Staff Recipient
Congratulations, Dr. Garst. You are the first faculty/staff recipient of the newly initiated Algernon Sydney Sullivan award at Duke University. This prestigious award was established in 1925 by the New York Southern Society in memory of Mr. Sullivan, a southerner who became a prominent lawyer, businessman, and philanthropist in New York. The award seeks to perpetuate the excellence of character and humanitarian service of Algernon Sydney Sullivan by recognizing and honoring such qualities in others. Duke University is pleased to join several other southern Universities that present this award to recognize those faculty, staff or student who exhibit distinction in their profession and outstanding community service.
You have not only excelled as an excellent clinician and an enthusiastic educator but you have demonstrated character, compassion and a sense of community responsibility in your advocacy for oncology patients and their families at Duke Hospital and in Durham and surrounding communities. As one of your colleagues has noted:
Your caring attitude extends beyond simply the patient in the exam room or the hospital bed and you never hesitate to engage in the spiritual work of discussing end of life concerns with dying patients and their families. You are a quiet voice of strength and compassion in an always difficult time.
We are grateful for your generous and compassionate commitment to holistic patient care. You exhibit the personal and professional ideals of mind, heart and conduct that are embodied in the life and service of Mr. Sullivan who “reached out both hands in constant helpfulness to humankind.” Congratulations!