Methodist University recently honored two community members for their exceptional service to the greater Fayetteville area.

During a Board of Trustees meeting at the Alumni Dining Room on campus, Methodist University presented the Mary Mildred Sullivan Awards to Mary Holmes and Johnny Wilson ’99 – a recognition of their noble character and outstanding commitment to service.

“Methodist University was privileged to have the opportunity to recognize two important and impactful community leaders with the prestigious Sullivan Awards,” said MU President Stanley T. Wearden in a press release. “Both of these recipients have been highly impactful figures in improving life for Fayetteville and Cumberland County residents.”

Holmes, a president and CEO of the Cumberland Community Foundation (CCF) for 27 years, is known as an excellent leader with a remarkable ability to organize. Under her leadership at CCF, endowment funds have grown from $4.68 million to $128 million – helping about 250 charitable organizations while also sending out $1 million in college scholarships on an annual basis. During Holmes’ tenure, CCF has awarded nearly $5 million in gifts to Methodist University. 

Wilson serves as the president and CEO of Fayetteville Urban Ministry, a local non-profit that serves thousands of neighbors in need through adult literacy, emergency assistance, find-a-friend mentoring, and emergency home repairs for low-income homeowners. He also proudly served on Methodist University’s Booster Club and Founders Council. Wilson earned his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology from Methodist University in 1999 and was a member of the 1996-97 men’s basketball team.

Holmes and Wilson join recent Methodist University graduate Jairus Brown ’24 as this year’s Sullivan Award recipients. During Methodist University’s Commencement Weekend in May, Brown received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award – a similar distinction reserved for graduating students.

The Sullivan Awards are a national honor authorized to be presented by only about 70 colleges and universities across the country, paying tribute to the work of Algernon Sydney Sullivan and Mary Mildred Sullivan, who both dedicated their lives to serving those in need.