Alumni Feature - Pat Sullivan '65

Pat Sullivan ’65 spent 34 years as a coach and administrator at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Ill.

He has spoken on leadership and attitude to coaching clinics across the globe, including the USA Coaching Clinics and camps in Greece, Ireland, Belgium, and Austria. He has also spoken nationally to businesses. He took that presentation and, after encouragement from his supporters, turned it into a book which debuted in late 2013. The book, Attitude – The Cornerstone of Leadership, is a practical guide for leaders.
Pat is an alumnus of Joliet Catholic High School, and spent seven years coaching basketball at Providence Catholic High School. He was hired at College of St. Francis in 1976 by then Athletics Director and baseball coach – and beloved Lewis University icon – Gordie Gillespie to coach basketball.

He moved through the ranks at the University of St. Francis, mentoring students and athletes alike while also raising five children. Now a grandfather to 12, soon to be 13, Pat is enjoying his retirement – and the opportunity to help build the future leaders of tomorrow through his experiences.

“There is the potential to be a leader in everyone,” explains Pat. “It’s not the best grades or the best skills or the most determination, separately, that make leaders excel. It’s a combination of many factors and putting forth the effort consistently. Brother James Gaffney, FSC, is a great leader because he consistently puts forth that effort. That leader lives in all of us, and it’s up to all of us – the coaches, educators and administrators of the world – to expose and develop that potential.”