Tom Larson

Delaney Porter

BRISTOL, Tenn., April 29, 2023 — King University is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2023 Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award.

First presented in 1890 and awarded annually by more than 70 colleges and universities throughout the South, the award honors graduating students and community members for their high standards of character, integrity, and service, and for their commitment to creating positive change in their communities.

This year’s awards were presented to junior Aidan Swatzell, alumna Delaney Porter ‘23 and to longtime staff member Tom Larson during the April 29 commencement ceremony.

Delaney Porter is a native of Franklin, Tennessee, and a 2023 graduate of King’s Exercise Science and Kinesiology program. During her time at King, she played a key role in the relaunching of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), an organization for which she has served as president for the past two years. She has also supported the University community by playing guitar for the worship band, leading in song, offering devotionals, and speaking in chapel.

“Delaney gives back to our community in many ways,” said Kayleigh Payne, head softball coach. “Anyone who has met her will tell you she is a light on our campus. She is determined, trustworthy, selfless, and expresses those qualities every day. She is our servant leader here at King, and we are grateful for her!”

Aidan Swatzell of Asheville, North Carolina, is a junior majoring in History and a member of King’s nationally recognized 2023 Men’s Volleyball Team. He volunteers with the King Institute for Faith & Culture (IFC), and according to Martin Dotterweich, Ph.D., director of the IFC, he is always prepared to help wherever needed.

“Whether in the classroom, helping with departmental work, or on the volleyball team, Aidan shows true servant leadership,” Dotterweich said. “He is the first to offer help, and he does so with absolute humility. I have never seen him seek recognition or demand that others do things alongside him.”

Laura Ong, Ph.D., associate professor of Biology, added that during Swatzell’s first three years at King, he has “constantly modeled faith, grace, and spiritual maturity to the entire campus community. He brings the presence of Christ wherever he goes, frequently helping others in his quiet and unassuming manner. Aidan is exactly the type of humble servant that this award was created to recognize.”

At the time of presentation, Swatzell was traveling to play in the NCAA Men’s Volleyball tournament. He will receive his award at a later date.

Tom Larson, director of Business Operations, is well known to generations of University students and alumni for his quiet presence, patience, and dedication. In his nearly 30 years at King, he has been instrumental in numerous capital and renovation projects, including work on the Student Center Complex, athletic fields, and the track and field complex currently under construction.

Larson is an alumnus of Covenant College where he graduated with a degree in Business Administration, and also holds a master of Business Administration from Washington University. He joined King in 1995 as director of Support Services, and plans to retire this year following 28 years of care for the campus and community.

Craig McDonald, Ph.D., professor of English emeritus at King, said that Larson’s willingness to stick with tasks, however onerous or difficult, is a model of perseverance. “The phrase from Scripture that comes to mind is as I think about him is, ‘do whatever you do as unto the Lord,’” McDonald noted. “Tom is a person characterized by equanimity, and by his strong commitments to his family, his church, and his community. His recognition is richly deserved.”