MG Gilbert Jackson Sullivan

MG Gilbert Jackson Sullivan was born 5 Jul 1928, in Fredericksburg, Virginia, the 7th of 10 children of Herman Lee and Emma Jean (Hardy) Sullivan. Herman owned the family home at 802 Mercer Street in Fredericksburg, Virginia which was valued at $4000 in 1940 and supported his large family as a shoemaker in his own shop and, later, as a real estate broker.

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).