Sister Mary Louise Sullivan’s name may ring a bell to current students as being The Sullivan House/House Seven. But the name Sullivan goes much further then just another house on Residential Boulevard.
Sullivan was a 1963 Cabrini graduate. She then went on to get her master’s degree at Villanova and went on to teach middle school within the area. Before achieving full presidency, Sullivan was associate dean of Cabrini College in 1970, then obtained her Ph.D at Bryn Mawr, resulting in becoming academic in 1972.
“I am an alumna I graduated in 1971, so Sister Mary Louise came in as president in 1972. I didn’t know her that well as a student but I knew her well as alumni volunteer,” director of communication for the Missionary Sisters, Nancy Costello, said. “She was always someone who was extremely professional. She was able to tell a story with a great deal of emotion and energy and she had a wonderful sense of humor.”
From 1972-1982 Sullivan lead as Cabrini’s president. During her time as president academics, athletics and student life expanded immensely.
“As president of Cabrini, Sister Mary Louise made decisions quickly. She knew when to delegate. She always knew what she didn’t know – and didn’t hesitate to hire consultants with expertise on recruitment, enrollment, retention and admissions.” – Cabrini’s 50th Anniversary Book
The construction of seven houses began during Sullivan’s lead, completely expanding the housing for students. Also welcoming Cabrini’s first male students in 1972.
“The first man graduated in my class,” Costello said. “His name was Ed Walsh and he was a transfer student from Saint Joe’s that Dr. Romano brought in.”
The International Club, Black Student Union, Women’s Volleyball Team, Men’s Basketball Team and much more were formed under Sullivan’s lead. She also brought a student center to campus, The Widener Center.
On the academic side Sullivan developed new Communication, Psychology and Social Science Departments.
Sullivan also added to the Cabrini community by writing “Mother Cabrini: Italian Immigrant of the Century.” It documented Mother Cabrini’s life accomplishments and her contributions to what Cabrini is today.
“One day Sr. Mary Louise stepped out of her office that overlooked the balcony in the Mansion and she saw two very dignified looking ladies standing in the foyer and looking all around,” Sr. Christine Marie recalls. “Being the gracious person that she was, Sr. Mary Louise came downstairs and proceeded to introduce herself and to offer the ladies a Mansion tour. Much to her surprise one of the visitors informed her that it wouldn’t be necessary as she was born “here.” Only then did Sr. Mary Louise realize that she was speaking to members of the Dorrance family, the former owners of Woodcrest, as their estate was called.”
Today Sister Mary Louise Sullivan is credited for starting the ground work for Cabrini to flourish to what it has become and will become. Her passing this past month had saddened the Cabrini community but her legacy will still be lived out.
“Sr. Mary Louise saw big possibilities for Cabrini even when it was a young and newly established institution,” Sr. Christine Marie said. “She never stopped dreaming, even during times of seemingly insurmountable challenges.”
To celebrate her life President Donald Taylor invites the community to attend a Memorial Liturgy on March 9, 12 p.m. in Bruckmann Memorial Chapel with a reception to follow in the Mansion.
