Elizabeth Wade Grant
2004 Staff Recipient
Rev. Elizabeth Wade Grant is the 2004 recipient of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan award from Duke University. This award seeks to perpetuate the excellence of character and humanitarian service of Algernon Sydney Sullivan by recognizing and honoring such qualities in others.
Chaplain Grant has an established history with the University and the Health System as French instructor and later as librarian in the medical center. This award specifically recognizes her volunteer staff work as chaplain to Episcopal patients throughout Duke Hospital and to all patients on 7800 in Duke Hospital North.
Chaplain Grant began her work with Duke Hospital North in 1989, first as an apprentice and later as an integral provider of pastoral care and spiritual support to patients and families. For fifteen years, She has functioned faithfully and effectively as a member of the pastoral services team and pastor to hundreds of patients who faced overwhelming health crises. Her hospital ministry, motivated by a deep and abiding faith in her God, has been extraordinary. Her efforts in peace-making and non-violence; her attention to marginalized members of the Durham community; her support for student work in Latin America; and her leadership for Durham Congregations in Action testify to a life lived with purpose and selflessness. From among many examples of wide-ranging praise garnered over the years, these words from a Meals on Wheels client best summarize her spirit of service to humankind:
Ms. Grant is a beautiful, gracious, kind and caring lady. For several years she has faithfully delivered my meals. Regardless of the extreme heat, cold or rainy days, she always delivered my meal with a smile. Ms. Grant went beyond being a volunteer. During a very serious illness she visited me in the hospital and prayed for my recovery. She also sent cards to cheer me. Ms. Grant has enriched my life and I wish her good health and happiness. She is truly missed.
Therefore, it is with the highest respect and deepest appreciation that Duke University presents to The Reverend Elizabeth Ward Grant, formerly Clinical Chaplain (nonstipendiary) in Duke Hospital, the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award for 2004.