University of Kentucky baseball player Alex Degen is among two University of Kentucky students and one local citizen to receive the university’s highest honor for humanitarian efforts — the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award.
The Sullivan Award was established by the New York Southern Society in 1925 and named in honor of its first president, Algernon Sydney Sullivan. Sullivan was a prominent businessman and philanthropist who was highly regarded for his altruistic efforts. The award recognizes individuals who embody Sullivan’s ideals of heart, mind, and conduct, demonstrating a spirit of love and helpfulness to others. Each year, the University of Kentucky bestows the Sullivan Award upon two graduating seniors and one citizen connected to the university.
Degen, a 6-foot-8 right-hander from Hunterdon, New Jersey, recently decided to medically retire from baseball but will remain with the program as a student assistant coach. He concluded his career with a 3-1 record and one save in 32 appearances, posting a 4.30 earned run average in three seasons. Degen was on track for a breakthrough season in 2020, boasting a 2.51 ERA and 19 strikeouts in 14.1 innings, when the season was prematurely ended due to Covid-19.
Off the field, Degen has achieved numerous accomplishments, including serving on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee for 2022-23, being a two-time member of the Southeastern Conference Community Service Team, and being inducted into UK’s prestigious Frank G. Ham Society of Character in 2021.
Degen will graduate in May with a graduate certificate in nonprofit management from the Martin School of Public Policy and an undergraduate certificate in financial planning from the Gatton College of Business and Economics. He previously earned a BA degree in social work in 2021 from the College of Social Work and a BS in business administration in 2022 from the Gatton College of Business and Economics.
Degen’s honors at the University of Kentucky include:
- Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, 2023
- Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), 2022-23
- SEC Academic Honor Roll (2022)
- 2021 UK Athletics Frank G. Ham Society of Character Inductee
- SEC Community Service Team (2020, 2021)
- SEC Academic Honor Roll (2020, 2021, 2022)
- Dean’s List (Spring 2020)
- First-Team All-Coastal Plain League (2019)
- SEC First-Year Academic Honor Roll (2019)
Degen’s recognition with the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award highlights his exemplary character, commitment to community service, and academic achievements, showcasing the true spirit of a student-athlete at the University of Kentucky.
