Awards and Funding

The Lars Lyon Volunteer Service Award recognizes a rising sophomore, junior, or senior at Duke who has made a difference in the work of a local school or nonprofit organization. Award recipients receive $15,000 toward their tuition for the following academic year.  To be considered, undergraduates must have exhibited a strong dedication to service while at Duke and must be nominated by a member of the faculty or staff, a fellow student, or a representative of a Durham non-profit or public school.

The annual award was established in 1989 as a way to honor the life and values of Lars Lyon, a Duke undergraduate student who passed away at the age of 21 after a battle with cancer. Lyon is remembered for his generous spirit, as he spent his time at Duke volunteering with multiple service organizations, such as Circle K International, Ronald McDonald House, and Play Units for the Severely Handicapped (PUSH).

Nominations for the 2025 award will open in early 2025.

Congratulations to Ashley Talwar, the 2024 Lars Lyon Volunteer Service Award recipient! Read more here.

Congratulations to Elaijah Lapay, the 2023 Lars Lyon Volunteer Service Award recipient! Read more here.

The Duke Employee Community Service Award recognizes a Duke employee who has performed truly outstanding volunteer service in the Durham community. In honor of the recipient, a $200 donation will be made to the school or nonprofit where the recipient volunteers. Nominations may be made by fellow Duke employees or by representatives of local non-profits or public schools.

The deadline for submissions has passed.

Congratulations to Domonique Redmond, the 2023 Duke Employee Community Service Award recipient! Read more here.

The NC Campus Engagement Community Impact Student Award recognizes one outstanding student service leader from each NC Campus Engagement member campus. Impact Award recipients should demonstrate commitment to partnering with others to address community issues, ability to lead and inspire fellow students, and sustainable impact in their area of work. Each member campus selects its own CISA recipient, who is then recognized by the NC Campus Engagement.

Nominations for this award are open in the Fall.

Congratulations to Kiran Sundar, the 2022 Duke recipient of the Community Impact Student Award! Read more here.

The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, presented by the Office of the Provost, recognizes one graduating senior, one graduate/professional student (House Staff included), and one member of the faculty and staff of Duke University or Duke Health for their outstanding commitment to service.

The deadline for submissions has passed.

Learn more here.

Congratulations to Sam Miglarese, Amanda Joos, and Liyu Woldemichael, the 2022 recipients of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award!