Family discusses the impact the Morehead Honors College has had on their children and why they give back in the Q&A below.
Nancy Denlea and Michael Sullivan, both physicians in Brunswick, have sent five of their six children through the Morehead Honors College. They share more about their family below.
Gillian Sullivan, front right, takes a selfie with her family, which includes Nancy Denlea, Spencer, Constance, Christian, Elliot, Michael, and Britton Sullivan.
What has Honors meant for your family?
We first learned about Honors at a prospective student orientation session. We were interested to learn about the program, but we were most impressed with the achievements of the soon-to-be graduating seniors. Their accomplishments in a diverse array of fields of study were truly impressive. Most importantly, our oldest son Christian (AB, MA ’20; JD ’23) was hooked and was already planning what he wanted to study and accomplish while an Honors student. In four years, he graduated with two majors, a minor, and a master’s degree. His younger sister, Constance (AB, BSCHEM ’22), watching him, was equally hooked too since she wanted to study both Spanish and chemistry, and UGA Honors allowed her to do both while doing research—studies that have well prepared her for medical school at the AU/UGA Medical Partnership. Our third child, Britton (AB ’23, MA ’24), explored colleges across the United States, but chose UGA Honors. For him, there was so much to study and do, and he graduated in four years with a double major in English and Spanish and a master’s degree in Spanish literature. Our fourth child, Spencer, already knew about UGA Honors and double majored in religion and economics. He graduated in three years and, following his oldest brother, is attending the UGA School of Law this fall. Our youngest daughter, our fifth child, Gillian, has currently matriculated as an accounting and Spanish double major. She again looked at multiple colleges but could find nothing comparable to the opportunities available at UGA Honors. Besides all of the fun of UGA—game day, basketball games, frisbee clubs, swing dance clubs, as well as opportunities to help mentor at risk youth at Thomas Lay and tutor Spanish-speaking children at ULead—there is little that UGA Honors does not offer. For our five oldest children, UGA Honors represents opportunity and freedom—the ability to chart your own path in life.
What motivates you to support Honors?
We support Honors because we want to ensure other students across the state of Georgia and beyond can have the same opportunities as our children have had. Nurturing and supporting bright young minds will build us all a better future.
What delights you most about Honors?
Through Honors, our children have had such wonderful opportunities. We love the fact that young adults have such opportunities, and we support Honors because we want it to continue. It is important to support what you believe in, and we believe in the Honors College at UGA. The Honors experience provides early registration and small classes but with all of the advantages of a large research university. The Honors support staff makes all of this happen leading to an excellent college experience. In fact, if there is something you want to do—study abroad or add to your major—the Honors College will make it happen!
What in Honors has had the greatest impact?
It is truly hard to say what aspect of Honors has had the largest impact on our children’s education. There are so many good things at Honors! But the Honors seminars perhaps have made the most difference. Small class sizes with world-class faculty discussing challenging and engaging topics have allowed our children to get the most from UGA. These classes have truly exposed our children to a wealth of material and help them chart their own path in the world. What would you say to other families looking to get involved in Honors? Your mind is your most important gift. At the Honors College, the mind, body, and spirit of young adults is celebrated, promoted, and encouraged!
