Rachid Awarded Algernon Sydney Sullivan Medallion

Photo by David Woods Dean of the Knowles Memorial Chapel Patrick Powers and Dean of Student Affairs Karen Hater present Omar Rachid (center) with a Algernon Sydney Sullivan Medallion.

On Sunday, graduating senior Omar Rachid was awarded the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Medallion. Established in 1927, the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Medallion is the highest non-academic award the College bestows to an Arts & Sciences student who shows remarkable character and integrity and who demonstrates a commitment to service to others.

During the commencement, Dean of the Knowles Memorial Chapel Patrick Powers shared with the audience just a few of Rachid’s remarkable accomplishments:


Omar Rachid your warm and caring heart and ever-present welcoming smile have been a radiant light on our campus.

As student coordinator for the JUMP (Join Us in Making Progress) organization, you were in charge of 95 percent of all service-related activities on campus. Present for students in both group and individual settings, you exhibited a leadership of strength and sensitivity.

As campus ambassador of the Book Network Project, you helped collect used books for those who could not afford them and initiated a website for the project.

As co-founder of the Rollins Model United Nations, you hosted a forum on immigration with the participation of scholars and the Mexican Consul.

As student diplomat coordinator, you managed a team of 70 students for recruiting events on and off campus with your characteristic politeness and geniality.

In Venezuela, you researched colleges and universities for students with learning disabilities, teaching them skills of learning and instilling confidence in them.

On a Rollins Relief Trip to New Orleans, you were courageous to reprimand someone for saying something insensitive about a group of people. This confrontation was a measure of your wisdom and compassion.

For all of us, you will be etched in our memories as a person of exceptional gentleness and singular kindness who was unafraid to bring graciousness and concern deeper and farther into the unchartered territory of human injustice.

You are only one person in this world, and yet to one person you mean the world.

Omar Rachid, we are honored and humbled to bestow upon you the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Medallion – you mean the world to us.


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