You have been selected to receive a Sullivan Ballou award because you are acting
from your heart. Even as a law student, at a time when most people are understandably
focused on the self-interested development of their professional skills and planning for
their future careers, you have chosen to devote your time and energy to protecting the
human rights of the powerless in the world. After interning with the Western Shoshone
tribe last summer, you are planning to use your time and resources to help represent the
tribe next summer in Geneva, Switzerland, before the U.N. Commiss ion on the
El imination of Racial Discrimination. At a time when the need for safety and security
against terrorism has caused many people to question what rights should be afforded to
terrorism suspects, you have been a strong voice at your law school for applying
international law and preserving the dignity of the individual. Your work in these areas
carries no possibility of personal reward; you do it because your heart leads you to it.
That is how Sullivan Ballou acted. That is the model of heart action in the world that the
Sulli van Ballou Fund seeks to recognize and affirm. Thank you for the inspiration you
have given to the rest of us.
Congratulations!
Elissa and Bruce Peterson, Founding Members