University College and Veterinary Medicine students, Liberal Arts professor named 2026 Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award winners

Andrew Wallis, a student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from University College, Marissa Pellis, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine candidate from the College of Veterinary Medicine, and Professor of Practice Jan Hume from the College of Liberal Arts have been selected as this year’s Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award winners. 

The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award has been presented annually at Auburn since 1951 as a reminder of the noblest human qualities exemplified by Algernon Sydney Sullivan, a prominent humanitarian and first president of the New York Southern Society, now the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation. 

Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, Wallis is a recipient of the Academic Heritage Scholarship and the H.K. and Margaret Nix Family Four-Year Endowed Scholarship, which he has used to devote himself to his studies in philosophy and biology. He also volunteers as a service coordinator at the Reformed University Fellowship organization and a lead tutor at Esperanza House.  

Serving as the director of the Pi Lambda Sigma pre-law honors society and a student assistant for the Interdisciplinary University Studies program, Wallis plans to attend law school and work in the legal field as a bioethical specialist. 

Pellis, a Greensburg, Pennsylvania native, is the founder of Auburn’s veterinary-focused American Sign Language elective, a course designed to help future veterinarians communicate with deaf animal owners. 

She is the recipient of the Merck Animal Health Diversity Leadership Scholarship for her role in developing this service-learning opportunity for veterinary students and dedication to making animal health care services more accessible. She has also served as a student lead for a shelter clinic, providing affordable veterinary services to those in need. 

Hume, a three-time Auburn graduate, is a professor in the Department of Political Science who draws upon three decades of experience in state and local government and non-profit organizations to inspire the next generation of public servants. 

Having held leadership positions in the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education, she has made a lasting impact on children and families across Alabama through her advocacy and commitment to strengthening public programs.

Caroline Glennon, a College of Human Sciences (CHS) student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in apparel merchandising, is the recipient of the W. James Samford Jr. ‘72 Memorial Scholarship.  

The scholarship is named in memory of James Samford, a 1972 alumnus and Board of Trustees member from 1987 until his death in 2003. Preference is given to juniors who have completed at least 61 but no more than 89 semester hours, and the scholarship committee also considers candidates’ philanthropic and leadership activities. 

Originally from Auburn, Alabama, Glennon served as a CHS ambassador, involvement ambassador, member of the Dean’s Student Advisory Board and student panelist for Admitted Students Day. Additionally, she was recognized as one of the most involved members of the Apparel Merchandising and Design Association and has served as the vice president of membership recruitment, merchandise coordinator and more for her sorority, Alpha Omicron Pi. 

Selected as one of nine students to represent CHS at the International Quality of Life Awards in Washington, D.C., Glennon hopes to build a career in the apparel industry while integrating her passion for dance, adaptive design and community service. 

The President’s Award recognizes one graduate in each college who has completed at least three semesters at Auburn with a minimum grade-point average of 3.40 and possesses outstanding qualities of leadership, citizenship, character and promise of professional ability. All honorees were celebrated at an annual ceremony.  

“Each of you represents what is possible when talent is combined with purpose, discipline and a commitment to something greater than yourself,” President Christopher B. Roberts stated. “Your achievements in the classroom, research and service elevate Auburn, and Auburn is stronger because of you.” 

This year’s President’s Award honorees are: 

Ty Monty Torbert, College of Agriculture 

Layla Morgan Harbison, College of Architecture, Design and Construction 

Gabriel James Lopez, Raymond J. Harbert College of Business 

Laney Alise Roe, College of Education 

Al Dean Del Carmen Francisco, Samuel Ginn College of Engineering 

William Tine Latimer, College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment 

Rehman Sohail Qureshi, Graduate School 

Sophia Louise Snyder, College of Human Sciences 

Clara Rose Ragan, College of Liberal Arts 

Kaitlin Elizabeth Mixon, College of Nursing 

Darby Elizabeth Moore, Harrison College of Pharmacy 

Amy Elizabeth Hudson, College of Sciences and Mathematics 

Ashley Michelle Duncan, College of Veterinary Medicine