SONJIALA HOTCHKISS
City Times
John F. Sullivan III, who had served the college district for over 30 years, passed away suddenly in his home on March 16. At press time, the cause of death was unknown.
Most recently, Sullivan had been a counselor in the Extended Opportunity Programs and Services office at City College.
“He fully expected to see us on Monday,” said Donna Carter of her friend and colleague. Her computer screen displayed verses she had composed in memory of Sullivan.
“He was a Kappa brother. You have to put that in there,” Carter said.
Carter added that students often remarked that they could talk to Sullivan about anything without fear of being judged.
“Look, Mr. Sullivan, I’m through,” Lisa Price remembered saying to Sullivan in his office.
“No, you’re not,” Sullivan responded. Price credits encouragement from Sullivan as one of the reasons she is now three classes away from attaining her college goal after 10 years of part-time study.
City College Vice President Gerald Ramsey said that a scholarship fund for students will be established in honor of Sullivan, as Sullivan often personally funded students in crisis.
Sullivan was born in Illinois. There he obtained an undergraduate degree in English. His later obtained graduate degrees in Educational Psychology and Educational Administration and Supervision.
Sullivan enjoyed sports, classic jazz and R&B and frequently entertained his colleagues with storytelling.
Sullivan was past president of the San Diego Community College District Teacher’s Union. He served as president of the San Diego Community College Counselor’s Association four times.
“It’s like he’s part of the building,” said Price on behalf of students like herself who first met Sullivan while he was working at ECC.
Visitation and final services were held for Sullivan at El Camino Memorial on March 27 and 28. Sullivan is survived by a brother, Sean Sullivan.
Contributions to the Sullivan Scholarship Fund may be sent to: John E Sullivan Memorial Scholarship Fund, C/O G Ramsey, San Diego City College, 1313 Park Blvd, San Diego, California 92101.
