Buies Creek, N.C.-Senior James T. Purvis, of Raleigh, N.C., is the recipient of Campbell University’s 2009 Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award. Purvis was presented the award at the university’s spring commencement exercises on Saturday, May 9, in the John W. Pope, Jr. Convocation Center.
A prominent late 19th century New York attorney, Algernon Sydney Sullivan was known for being a devout Christian, effective mediator, compelling orator and noted philanthropist. The award, made possible by the Sullivan Foundation, honors those individuals whose strength of character and civic contributions reflect the life of Algernon Sydney Sullivan.
While at Campbell, Purvis, a biology/pre-professional major, was active in the Student Government Association, serving as president of the Senior Class, men’s campus coordinator and sophomore class representative. He also co-chaired the Student Life Committee, served as chair of the Student Conduct Committee and as student representative to the Faculty Study Abroad Committee.
In addition, Purvis excelled academically, earning an overall GPA of 3.97 and holding memberships in four honor societies, including Phi Kappa Phi, Phi Eta Sigma, Epsilon Pi Eta and the Allied Health Pre-Med Society. Purvis was also a member of the Walker Biology Club and served as a student mentor, tutor and lab assistant for the Biology Department.
Fluent in Spanish, Purvis used his language skills to tutor local Hispanic students through the Science Fair Buddies program and as a dental Spanish translation volunteer with the Wake County Health Department. His other volunteer efforts include Operation Inasmuch, Operation Christmas Child and a mission trip to Gulfport, Ms.
Besides his academic gifts, Purvis performed with the University Choir, the Jazz Ensemble and the University Wind Ensemble. He also served as a trumpeter and pianist at six North Carolina churches.
In the fall, Purvis will begin his professional studies at the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Blair H. Purvis, of Raleigh.
Over 600 undergraduate students and graduate students from the Lundy-Fetterman School of Business and the School of Education received their degrees on Saturday. Separate hooding and graduation ceremonies for Campbell’s Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law, School of Pharmacy and the Divinity School were held on Friday, May 8, conferring an additional 228 graduate and professional degrees.
Photo Copy: James T. Purvis receives the Algernon Sydney Sullivan award at Campbell’s 123rd commencement exercises on Saturday, May 9. (Photo by Bennett Scarborough)