Seattle University Search | Site Index | Directories | Contact

Award Overview

Seattle University's Sullivan Leadership Award is a four-year full scholarship supporting students committed to:

  • Service and Leadership
  • Academic Excellence
  • Community
  • Spirituality
  • Global Awareness

Since 1989 Seattle University's Sullivan Leadership Award has supported students who have promoted social justice through their service and leadership. Each year nine incoming freshmen are selected for these scholarships, which cover undergraduate tuition, room, and meals for four years of study at Seattle University. Sullivan Scholars represent a variety of heritages–small towns and large cities, public and independent high schools, Catholic and other religious traditions. These diverse students share a common objective: to develop leadership models for serving others.

Award Criteria

  • Leadership - Candidates must demonstrate leadership through school activities, public service and/or community involvement.
  • Social Justice - Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to justice and the well-being of others through service to their communities, churches and/or schools.
  • Communication - Candidates must possess well-developed written and oral communication skills.
  • Scholarship - Applicants must be enrolled in and complete rigorous college preparatory programs and enjoy noteworthy academic success. Typically Sullivan Scholars have grade point averages of minimally 3.5.
  • Residence - Candidates must be US citizens or permanent residents from the states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington or Wyoming.

Expectations for Award Winners

Sullivan Scholars are required to:

  • Complete 45 credits per year at Seattle University with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • Assume a leadership and service role on campus
  • Participate in regular gatherings with other Sullivan Leaders, including an annual four-day leadership retreat
  • Participate in a Seattle University service project or study program in another country sometime during their four years of college.

Download the Application

Sullivan Leadership Award Application (254 KB, 5 pages)


This document requires Adobe Reader (Free).

To download the application, please click the link above. To apply, please print the application, complete it, and return it to the address indicated on the application.

President's Message

At Seattle University, we believe in an education that not only informs, but also forms our students for service. The Sullivan Leadership Award competition is a sign of our commitment to that kind of education. I hope that it will encourage you to develop the gifts of leadership and service you will bring to your university education.

Fr. Sundborg