MG Sullivan's obituary is a good summary of his professional life: "He graduated from James Monroe High School in 1945 and from the
University of Virginia, School of Commerce, in 1948. At the University
of Virginia, he played on the varsity football squad under coaches Frank
Murray and Art Guepe, was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon "SAE"
Fraternity, the PK Dance Society, Lamda Pi, TILKA and the "Z" Society.
Gilly served the University of Virginia for over 50 years. He began
working for the University of Virginia Alumni Association during his
undergraduate years and joined the staff as Assistant Director after
graduation. In addition to his Alumni Association duties, he was active
in organizing the Virginia Student Aid Foundation, now known as the
Virginia Athletics Foundation, and served as its Secretary for 10 years.
Gilly succeeded J. Malcolm Luck as Director of the University
of Virginia Alumni Association in 1958. During his career with the
Alumni Association, Gilly helped start the Jefferson Scholars program in
1980, and under his leadership grew alumni giving significantly.
In
1992, Gilly was awarded the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, citing his
"constant helpfulness to his fellow man." He was also a member of the
Raven Society, the University of Virginia chapter of Omicron Delta
Kappa, a national leadership fraternity, and alumni advisor to SAE. In
1993, Gilly retired as Executive Director from the Alumni Association
and continued to work as a consultant for several years. His career with
the Alumni Association allowed him to combine his keen interest in the
business of athletic programs and service to the University of Virginia.
He believed that every University of Virginia student, regardless of
financial resources, should receive an exceptional education and after
graduation, should give back to the University. He lived this
philosophy, making it easy for this unpretentious and modest man to
raise financial support for University of Virginia's students and
programs. His dedicated service to the University inspired the endowment
of the Gilbert J. and Ann Vernon Sullivan Jefferson Scholars
Scholarship awarded annually to a University of Virginia Jefferson
Scholar, the Gilbert J. Sullivan Z Society Student Internship to provide
an opportunity for a summer internship otherwise unattainable because
of financial constraints, and a University of Virginia Parents' Program
Scholarship named the Gilbert J. Sullivan Parents Scholarship awarded to
students with demonstrated records of citizenship, leadership and
academic achievement.
At his retirement, alumni and friends
established the Ann Vernon and Gilbert J. Sullivan Alumni Endowment to
honor them. As a result of the generosity of alumni and friends, the
endowment allows the Alumni Association to perpetuate the Sullivans'
work on behalf of future generations of alumni.
Gilly's service
also extended to his country and his community. Gilly's nearly 40 years
in the military included time in the United States Naval Reserve, the
United States Marine Reserve, and the Virginia Army National Guard. He
rose to the rank of Major General (VA Ret) in the Virginia National
Guard. His many assignments included command of the Charlottesville
Monticello Guard, the 116th Infantry Regiment (The Stonewall Brigade),
and Deputy Adjutant General of Virginia. He received numerous citations
for meritorious service and accomplishment and was twice awarded the
Commonwealth of Virginia's Legion of Honor.
Also active in the
Charlottesville community, Gilly served on the Charlottesville
Redevelopment and Housing Authority and was a member of the Elks Club,
Lions Club and Masons. "
MG Sullivan died on 5 Jan 2009 and now rests forever in the University of Virginia Cemetery and Comlumbarium in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Gilbert's 1st cousin 1x removed, PVT Percy Lee Dowell, died of wounds received in combat while serving with E Company 116th Infantry in France in WWI. Their common grandfather, Ezekial Dowell, served as a PVT in E Company 19th Virginia Infantry (CSA) in the Civil War. Great-grandfather James H. Sullivan served as a PVT in B Company 30th Virginia Infantry (CSA).
