The Hill School Alumni Association is pleased to announce Gordon Bonnyman ’65, renowned advocate for social justice and healthcare access, as the first ever recipient of the newly established Whatsoever Things Are True Award. This is the highest honor bestowed upon an alum of The Hill School. Bonnyman co-founded the Tennessee Justice Center (TJC), a non-profit law firm dedicated to representing low-income individuals and families. Under his leadership, TJC has successfully fought for the rights of the underprivileged, ensuring access to essential healthcare services and addressing systemic inequities. Bonnyman's work often involves challenging powerful institutions and navigating complex legal landscapes to secure justice for the marginalized. (Photo courtesy of National Legal Aid & Defense Association.)

Beyond his professional endeavors, Bonnyman is deeply involved in philanthropic activities, focusing on public health, poverty alleviation, and civil rights. His unwavering commitment to truth and transparency is evident in his relentless advocacy for policy changes and his efforts to hold public officials accountable. Bonnyman’s dedication to helping others, even in the face of formidable opposition, underscores his integrity and courage.

While at The Hill, Bonnyman was a sixth form prefect; member of the thirds soccer team, Reception Committee, and Gun Club; chairman of the Press Club; and board member for the Hill Christian Association. He was voted “Most Pious” by his classmates which undoubtedly evolved into his love for philanthropy and social justice. His strong efforts and achievements, both academically and socially, led him to Princeton University where he graduated in 1969. He later attended the University of Tennessee for a degree in law. In 2009, the School of Law at the University of Alabama named Bonnyman the recipient of the annual Morris Dees Award, given to someone who honors Dees' dedication to public service, civil rights, equality, and freedom, and his efforts to combat poverty, discrimination, and racism. He currently resides with his wife, Claudia, in Nashville, Tenn., while his son, Houston, works as a physician in New Orleans, La.

The name of the award was derived from the School’s motto and reflects the true nature of its recipient. In essence, the award is presented to someone that, no matter how difficult the circumstances, had the courage and determination to stay true to themself. This individual has made the world a better place by speaking or acting on the values of honor, service, and leadership that were instilled in them as a student. The recipient’s societal impact may be driven by either a single act or a life’s work but in particular, has parlayed their Hill School education into doing purposeful good, making an extraordinary impact on their community and the world around them.

The award ideation began over a year and a half ago with the strong desire to focus on honoring an alum who has made a positive impact on others. The Alumni Association Executive Committee began developing the criteria for the award and determining the nomination process.

Two members of the Committee, Wallace Gundy ’04, Alumni Association president, and Rick Bragdon ’70, were particularly involved in this process. Both Gundy and Bragdon took the original idea for the award and expanded on its meaning and effect. “In a sense, we wanted the award to be foundational,” Bragdon said, “To be meaningful we felt it had to reside in the whole fabric of the school: its history as its contemporaneity.” They created an award that is built on the principles of the School motto and overall Hill education. “All of the criteria are embedded in the phrase,” Bragdon added. Gundy detailed, “As an alum, you take that out into the world with you. When we were developing this award, we wanted there to be a distinct ‘Hillness’ to it; it is so much more than a recognition of service.” She continued, “The overall goal of this award was to create something that will endure for years on end.” After careful review of the nominations for dozens of worthy candidates, the Alumni Executive Committee selected a recipient that truly embodied the spirit of the award.

For his impactful contributions to social justice, his tireless advocacy for the disadvantaged, and his steadfast commitment to truth, Gordon Bonnyman is a deserving recipient for this award. His work exemplifies the spirit of helping others and maintaining honesty, no matter how difficult the circumstances. The award presentation will take place on Tuesday, October 29 during Chapel, where Bonnyman will deliver a chapel talk to students and faculty.

To submit a nomination for the next Whatsoever Things Are True Award recipient, please complete this form.