The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Awards
Sue Hanna Gerdelman ’76 - 2024 Recipient
Sue Hanna Gerdelman ’76, P ’07, P ’13, personifies the virtues of the Sullivan Award. A leader who serves with distinction, Ms. Gerdelman is cherished by her communities. As one nominator writes, “There are few people as kind, thoughtful, helpful and genuinely delightful as Sue.”
At William & Mary, Ms. Gerdelman studied elementary education. She participated in the Mermettes synchronized swim team and was a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority. After graduation, Ms. Gerdelman pursued a distinguished career in public service.
A former school board member and White House staffer, Ms. Gerdelman steadfastly promotes public good. She served in the federal government in numerous roles, including as the associate director of the National Economic Council. As executive assistant to the assistant to the president for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, she worked on briefings for President George W. Bush. A nominator shared that Ms. Gerdelman’s “commitment to serving the broader community reflects her deeply held values of civic engagement and social responsibility.”
When Ms. Gerdelman and her beloved husband, John ’75, returned to Virginia, she joined the Board of Trustees of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation. She is a past president of the separate Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, Inc. At her alma mater, Ms. Gerdelman chaired the William & Mary Foundation Board and served two terms on the Board of Visitors. As Board — secretary for two terms, Ms. Gerdelman led with immense care. Former William & Mary President Taylor Reveley LL.D. ’18 wrote, “Presidents and vice presidents of W&M have for years turned to Sue for quiet guidance and reflection as her always helpful insights help us steer the ship of state.”
In 2011, Ms. Gerdelman received the Alumni Medallion, the most prestigious award given to alumni for their leadership, professional accomplishments and commitment to William & Mary. One nominator wrote, “I had countless opportunities to see how Sue dealt with other people. It was with a nobility of spirit and generosity of manner that was inspiring to behold. It was also with a cheerfulness and sense of fun that raised the spirits of everyone around her.” Another nominator shared that Ms. Gerdelman has “great empathy for fellow mortals, cares deeply for their welfare and deals with them in abiding grace and love.”
The Sullivan Award is given in honor of Ms. Gerdelman’s meaningful and joyful impact on countless members of the William & Mary community. The Alma Mater of the Nation is honored by her steadfast commitment and generosity.
