Annual awards were presented at the 177th Commencement Exercises of Rhodes College held May 16 on campus.
GraceAnne Hodgson is the recipient of the Peyton Nalle Rhodes Phi Beta Kappa Prize, the college’s highest academic honor awarded to the graduating senior who has best demonstrated an exceptional combination of scholarship, creativity, and achievement and a commitment to the liberal arts and sciences.
The 2026 Algernon Sydney Sullivan Awards were presented to graduating seniors Abigail Figueroa and Jasmine Jeffries and to Dr. David McCarthy, professor of art and art history. In cooperation with the New York Southern Society, Rhodes presents the awards annually to two graduating seniors and one non-student who have given selflessly to the college and others.
The college presented the Distinguished Service Medal to Richard Huddleston, the college’s bursar and a member of the Rhodes Class of 1984.
More about the recipients:
Peyton Nalle Rhodes Phi Beta Kappa Prize
GraceAnne Hodgson, who is from Shreveport, LA, majored in both biology and history with a minor in French and Francophone studies. In her junior year, she accepted membership into Phi Beta Kappa, which is America’s oldest collegiate honor society that champions the liberal arts and sciences.
Dr. Elaine Frawley, president of the Rhodes chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, described “the breadth and depth” of her engagement across the liberal arts as “remarkable.”
Hodgson has conducted wild bee research with biology professor Dr. Kate LeCroy and has made presentations drawing from her study of original Old French texts at the college’s annual Gender and Sexuality Studies Symposium. When not translating the 1963 novel La 317ème Section into English or reimagining course material for biology students as a Supplemental Instructor, she has been working as an interpretive ranger at T. O. Fuller State Park.
A professor said about Hodgson, “Ask her about avian biology, the Cold War in East Asia, linoleum cut printmaking, gymnastics, pre-modern French literature, or computer programming and watch her eyes light up. Prepare yourself for an energetic and merry conversation.”
Another professor remarked, “She is deeply engaged in discussions, asks probing questions that help her classmates grapple with complex topics, and brings an infectious enthusiasm that elevates the intellectual energy of the room. In moments where students understandably ask, Why do we need to know this?, GraceAnne is far more likely to ask, How does this fit the big picture? In doing so, she bridges material newly encountered with concepts from across the curriculum . . . GraceAnne Hodgson embodies the spirit of the Peyton Nalle Rhodes Prize. She possesses a lively and disciplined mind, an expansive intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to learning that radiates outward to those around her. I have no doubt that she will go on to be a pioneer in her future endeavors, a gifted educator, and an engaged citizen.”
Algernon Sydney Sullivan Awards
Abigail Figueroa, a psychology major from Los Angeles, CA, has intentionally built a connection between Rhodes and the Memphis community serving as a Bonner Scholar.
One nominator said about Figueroa’s involvement with Room in the Inn that “She has devoted countless hours to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, ensuring they feel respected and valued. She has also expanded the organization’s reach by translating documents and program materials for Spanish-speaking families, helping make essential resources more accessible.”
Figueroa has served as a member of the Bonner Leadership Team and as a Bonner Center Intern. In these roles, she has been instrumental in supporting her peers, fostering relationships with community partners, advancing the center's digital outreach, and enhancing engagement among students and alumni.
Additionally, she is the vice president for both the Kinney Program and Rhodes chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
A nominator wrote, “Although she carries herself with a quiet and humble nature, her impact speaks loudly through her compassion, kindness, and selfless actions. She not only supports those around her but also lends a helping hand even when others may not openly express a need for support. Abigail leaves a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know her.”
Jasmine Jeffries, who majored in art history with a double minor in studio art and educational studies, has used the arts to build connection and community. A Memphian and Clarence Day Scholar, she has immersed herself in organizations across campus and the city.
Jeffries served as the festival programming and operations coordinator for Memphis’ inaugural Like You Children’s Film Festival, and her research for the project—including creating an original children’s book—earned her recognition as a Clarence Day Fellow.
One nominator captured her impact best: “I have never met a soul as bright and warm as Jasmine Jeffries. No one else I know has given away so much time and energy to others.” Another nominator wrote, “Jasmine makes others feel seen, valued, and comfortable—simply by being who she is.”
Jeffries’ commitment to the arts includes internships with the Germantown Community Theatre and the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art. Her curiosity has taken her far beyond Memphis as well, leading her to study abroad in Tokyo and participate in a Maymester program in Ecuador.
On campus, she has served as a peer assistant, an admission office senior fellow, vice president of the Rhodes chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority, and a set designer for the Rhodes Theatre Guild. As a dedicated member of the Rhodes Activities Board, she has helped shape beloved traditions including Rites Fest, the Last Day of Classes Celebration, Bloom Bar, and the Cookie Dough Craze.
Dr. David McCarthy, professor of art and art history, joined Rhodes College in 1991 and is retiring this year.
Colleagues describe him as passionate, inspiring, and “an art nerd in the best possible sense.” Students call his lectures electric, immersive, and demanding. Some initially find his classroom intimidating—not because he is unkind, but because he treats students as genuine scholars whose ideas deserve to be taken seriously.
McCarthy has welcomed student perspectives, noting that their experiences often lead discussions in unexpected and illuminating directions. He has consistently brought students into collaborative research, exhibitions, and archival work with institutions such as the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art. Whether teaching students to look closely at a painting, write with precision, or ask difficult questions about culture and power, he has pushed them to engage the world with greater thoughtfulness and courage.
An internationally respected scholar, McCarthy has examined how artists illuminate the political, cultural, and moral tensions of their time. His books and scholarship on Pop Art, antiwar art, modern American art, and artists such as H. C. Westermann have been published and translated internationally, establishing him as a leading voice in the field. His research has earned fellowships from the Smithsonian Institution and recognition across the discipline.
McCarthy has shaped generations of students and helped define the character of Rhodes itself. His teaching, scholarship, and gallery work earned him the Clarence Day Award for Outstanding Research and Creative Activity in 2004 and the Clarence Day Award for Outstanding Teaching in 2023.
Distinguished Service Medal
Richard Huddleston received a bachelor’s degree in political science from Rhodes College in 1984 and began working in the Rhodes Accounting Office right after graduation. He is retiring this year, after serving as the college’s longtime bursar.
The bursar is responsible for overseeing student financial services operations and providing strategic leadership in managing student accounts, implementing internal controls, and delivering high-quality customer service to students, families, and campus partners. The role involves serving on various committees and working closely with various departments across campus.
Nominators wrote that “During his time as bursar, Richard has been an absolute rock. His calm, patient, and positive demeanor—especially when navigating difficult situations, assisting students and families with billing matters, or guiding the college through multiple system conversions—has been exactly what Rhodes needed in this critical role.”
Huddleston is commended by nominators for “getting things done correctly, on time, and without fanfare” and for his reliability and willingness to take on tasks simply because they needed doing,” even when falling outside any formal job description.
In 2006, Huddleston received the college’s Outstanding Staff Award. In recognition of his 42-year commitment to Rhodes, Huddleston was presented the 2026 Distinguished Service Medal.