On May 13, at commencement ceremonies marking the end of the 237th academic year at Hampden-Sydney College, Stewart Joseph Neifert, Class of 2012, received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Medallion. The award was presented by Dr. Christopher B. Howard, President of Hampden-Sydney College. The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Medallion is given annually by the New York Southern Society in honor of its first president, Algernon Sydney Sullivan. This award is given to a member of the graduating class distinguished for excellence of character and generous service to his fellows.
A Patrick Henry Scholar, Neifert served as a member of the Student Court for four years, as a Resident Advisor, and as President of the honor society Chi Beta Phi (scientific). He was a member of the Union Philanthropic Literary Society, the Fly-Fishing Club, and the Society of '91 (leadership program) and was recognized in the 2012 edition of Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. He is a member of the honor society Omicron Delta Kappa (leadership) and the professional scientific fraternity, Alpha Chi Sigma, and recently received the Military Leadership/National Security Studies Program Certificate from the Wilson Center for Leadership. Graduating cum laude with a B.S. and honors in biology, Neifert is the son of Mr. & Mrs. Ronald A. Neifert of Palmyra.