Waukesha, Wis. (November 2, 2023) – Carroll University, a leading institution in higher education, is thrilled to announce a transformative and historic philanthropic contribution from Tim and Vivian Sullivan, marking the single largest gift in the institution's storied history.
In a remarkable demonstration of commitment to Carroll, Tim Sullivan, an alumnus from the Class of 1975, and his wife Vivian have provided an extraordinary $10 million to benefit the Sullivan School of Business. This visionary act of philanthropy reflects their unwavering commitment to making a lasting impact on future Carroll graduates. This substantial infusion of funds will not only enhance the institution's current offerings but also advance the fundraising for the building of a new 60,000-square-foot School of Business on the university's campus.
Dr. Cindy Gnadinger, president of Carroll University, expressed profound gratitude for this extraordinary generosity, stating, "We are humbled and deeply honored by Tim and Vivian's unparalleled support. This gift will propel our institution to new heights, enabling us to provide a state-of-the-art academic facility where we will provide a business degree that is distinctive from our peers and rooted in the liberal arts. There simply are no words to adequately describe the transformational nature of this gift."
With most of his career held at Bucyrus International, Inc., Tim Sullivan is known for his commitment to the greater Milwaukee community. He believes in the power of education as a catalyst for positive change. Sullivan's transformative gift is a testament to the belief that investing in Carroll University is an investment in the future, fostering not only individual success but also societal progress.
Tim said of the decision, "Vivian and I felt moved to make this commitment at this time because we know that Carroll deserves this level of support. Carroll continues to stretch itself and grow to meet the
needs of the broader community. We decided it was important to stretch ourselves with the hope it will inspire others to do the same and to move this project and the university forward into the future."
Carroll University commemorated this historic donation at the annual Old Main Society dinner on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023. This gift was also the primary catalyst for the public announcement of the university's historic $100 million Campaign Pioneer Driven, the largest campaign undertaken in the 178-year history of the institution. At that event, Carroll University's President Gnadinger was also able to announce nearly $60 million had already been secured toward the $100 million goal.
Interviews with Tim Sullivan, Dr. Cindy Gnadinger and other key stakeholders can be arranged upon request.