Algernon Sydney Sullivan Awards Presented to Bentley, Thomas
Student leader Sarah Brooks Bentley ’12 and community leader Dwight Clifford Thomas ’62 have received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Awards for extraordinary service.
A psychology major, Sarah coordinated Lunch Buddies at Newcomers and Jefferson Elementary schools, bringing together Guilford volunteers and children who need a role model or some extra attention. She recruited students from the College, arranged transportation and helped them reflect on the experience.
Dwight is a successful entrepreneur, volunteer and philanthropist. Among other service, he has worked with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to help grant the wishes of more than 100 children with life-threatening medical conditions.
Since 1925, 50 colleges in the South have given these awards in memory of Algernon Sydney Sullivan, a native of Virginia who practiced law in New York and was known for his compassion. At Guilford the awards are presented to one community member and one graduating student each year.
Sarah served as president of the Guilford Council of Religious Organizations and was an office assistant for the Episcopal Dioceses of Southwestern Virginia. In addition to her studies, she worked as a teacher’s assistant in the psychology department and a work-study student in the Office of Alumni Relations. After graduation, she will become director of children’s and youth ministries at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in High Point.
Dwight, the owner of Thomas Gourmet Foods, a provider of natural gourmet products in supermarkets and online since 1980, has supported Guilford as a generous donor, a member of the Quaker Club board, the 1996 chair of the President’s Club campaign and a current member of the Board of Visitors.
Last year he established a foundation to raise money for college scholarships for cancer survivors, and recently he has become involved with Project BARK (Bringing Animals Relief and Kindness). He serves on the Board of Visitors for the N.C. Children’s Hospital in Chapel Hill and is a charter member of the Guilford Rotary Club.
