The 2026 Sullivan Awards: Celebrating Community, Scholarship and Service

Headshots of three people holding awards
From left, David Hasan, Jasmin Riley and Trisha Dalapati

The Duke Center for Community Engaged Scholarship and Duke Community Affairs recently honored individuals with the 2026 Sullivan Awards. The awards are given to those whose lives reflect extraordinary service, integrity and a commitment to uplifting others.

Established by the New York Southern Society, the award is named for Algernon Sydney Sullivan, a Southerner who became a prominent lawyer, businessman and philanthropist in New York in the late 19th century.  

Thanks to the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation, each year Duke recognizes one graduating senior, one graduate or professional student, and a member of the faculty or staff for their outstanding commitment to service. 

This year’s honorees demonstrate that service takes many forms, from global humanitarian action to local relationship-building and community-rooted systems-level care. The three recipients are School of Medicine neurosurgeon Dr. David Hasan, undergraduate Jasmin Riley and graduate student Trisha Dalapati. They were selected from among outstanding candidates nominated by members of the Duke community.

At the awards ceremony, university leaders reflected on the value of the awardees’ community-engaged work. “In a place like Duke, we are surrounded by incredible academic and professional achievements every single day,” said Carrissa Dixon, senior director of the Duke Center for Community-Engaged Scholarship. “But this award is different. It is not just based on a resume, CV, or a list of publications. Instead, it looks at the heart.”

Provost Alec Gallimore noted, “This award is presented to individuals who, like Mr. Sullivan, have distinguished themselves through their selflessness, service to others, and generosity of character.”

Vice President for Community Affairs Stelfanie Williams added, “The individuals we are honoring today remind us that Duke is not an island. We are part of a vibrant and resilient community with its own deep history and extraordinary leadership.”

David Hasan: Building Hope Through Humanitarian Action

Faculty and Staff Award recipient Dr. David Hasan was honored for extraordinary humanitarian leadership grounded in courage, compassion and an unwavering belief in shared humanity.

Three people standing together. The person at the center is holding an award.
Stelfanie Williams, David Hasan, and Alec Gallimore

Through repeated medical missions to Gaza and the building of multinational coalitions to deliver aid and foster peacebuilding, he has convened partners across nations, institutions and communities to create sustainable support systems for vulnerable populations. 

One such effort is the founding of Gaza Children’s Village, an ambitious initiative providing shelter, education, healthcare, and trauma-informed support for orphaned and vulnerable children.

In his remarks, Hasan spoke movingly about witnessing pain and suffering and choosing action in response. He reflected on Duke as a place that “does not lead with words, but with actions,” and on the possibility of building hope even amid crises. 

He also expressed deep gratitude for the colleagues, family, and community who have sustained and supported his work. Nominators described him as embodying “the kind of commitment, courage, and character that have been all too rare,” and as a leader who, in moments defined by division, has chosen connection.

Jasmin Riley: Belonging Through Everyday Service

Undergraduate Student Award recipient Jasmin Riley was recognized for sustained relationship-centered leadership rooted in care, humility, connection and the practice of building belonging.

Stelfanie Williams on the left, Jasmin Riley holding medal in the middle, Alec Gallimore on the right.
Stelfanie Williams, Jasmin Riley, and Alec Gallimore

Across her work with Durham Public Schools, DukeEngage, and the InventHER and InventSTEM initiatives, Riley has invested deeply in creating spaces where others feel seen, valued and empowered. She commits to the communities she serves — designing programs, mentoring students, supporting families, and strengthening educational spaces through trust and consistency. 

Nominators described her leadership as “quiet dedication” and a “daily practice of showing up for her community with intention and respect.” In her remarks, Jasmin reflected, “Service isn’t about saving, but standing with — building and recognizing impact as something we create together.” That philosophy has shaped her work across spaces. Nominators added that she reflects the essence of the Sullivan Award: a life lived in service to others, guided by generosity of spirit and a deep commitment to community.

Trisha Dalapati: Reimagining Home Through WELLnest

Graduate and Professional Student Award recipient Trisha Dalapati was honored for visionary leadership through WELLnest, a student-founded initiative addressing critical gaps for individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness.

Three people standing and smiling; the person in the middle is holding an award.
Stelfanie Williams, Trisha Dalapati and Alec Gallimore

What began with a simple question — “What is Durham missing?”— has grown into a powerful model of student-led community care. Since its founding, WELLnest has supported nearly 80 households, mobilized more than 100 student volunteers, coordinated hundreds of furniture donations, and helped transform empty apartments into homes grounded in dignity and belonging.

In her remarks, Trisha reflected on WELLnest’s growth from a student idea into a self-sustaining campus organization, highlighting relationships with neighbors, mentors and fellow students that make the work possible. She spoke to the powerful connection between housing and health and to the collective effort required to support thriving communities.

Nominators said that her work reminds us that creating home is about far more than physical space — it is about connection, respect and care.

Honoring a Shared Commitment to Community

At the close of the ceremony, Debbie Goldstein, associate vice president and associate vice provost for community-engaged scholarship, reflected on the inspiration drawn from the honorees’ work. “When we use our skills to address the challenges facing our world, we aren’t just completing a project. We are fulfilling our promise to be a university that truly belongs to its community,” she said.