LEXINGTON, Ky. — Two University of Kentucky students and a faculty emeritus have been recognized with the university's highest honor for humanitarian efforts, the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, for their sustained commitment to serving others.

The 2026 recipients are Morgan David and Ben Ison, both graduating seniors, and Sam Powdrill, a faculty emeritus in the UK College of Health Sciences. The Sullivan Awards are presented annually to deserving individuals at more than 70 colleges and universities and are considered the most prestigious awards bestowed upon students.

Established by the New York Southern Society in 1925 and named for its first president, Algernon Sydney Sullivan, the award recognizes those who exhibit Sullivan's ideals of heart, mind and conduct as evidenced by a spirit of love for and helpfulness to others. The University of Kentucky has been recognizing Sullivan Award winners since 1927.

Morgan David, of Louisville, earned her bachelor's degree in integrated strategic communication this May and served as marketing chair for DanceBlue, UK's student-run philanthropy supporting pediatric cancer patients and families. She helped lead outreach efforts across Kentucky, encouraging schools to host fundraising minimarathons. Beyond DanceBlue, David served as president of both the UK Alumni Ambassadors and the Student Alumni Association, organizing service opportunities with local charities.

Ben Ison, from Mount Sterling, earned dual bachelor's degrees in social work and criminal justice this May, along with a minor in criminology. Ison's commitment to service was recognized when he received the Sullivan Award, honoring students for their dedication to service and leadership.

Sam Powdrill, the citizen award recipient, is an associate professor in the Physician Assistant Program at the University of Kentucky who has dedicated his career to expanding global access to eye care. Powdrill's commitment to service was shaped early by his childhood in India, where he was exposed to severe poverty, limited healthcare access and preventable disease, a realization that would guide his life's work. Over his career, he has helped restore vision to thousands of patients through cataract surgery, mobile outreach and prevention efforts while equipping local health workers with the skills needed to continue care in their own communities. At UK, Powdrill taught and mentored students for more than 15 years in curriculum development, clinical skills training and standardized patient education, also leading international service-learning experiences that allowed students to deliver care in resource-limited settings. Even after retiring in 2020, Powdrill has continued to teach periodically and volunteer internationally, providing cataract surgery, training and equipment support in dozens of countries.