Patrick Sullivan, professor emeritus in the architecture department and former department chair, died Jan. 24. He was 66.
Sullivan, who received his emeritus award in 2003, served on the dean’s advisory board and supported scholarships in the College of Environmental Design. Over the years, he and his wife Cindy provided financial support for students and programs in the architecture department . In 2004, the couple established the Sullivan Family Architecture Scholarship Endowment to benefit talented designers.
Sullivan came to Cal Poly Pomona in 1979 and retired in 2002. He served as architecture department chair from 1983 to 1986. He coauthored, along with Barry Wasserman and Gregory Palermo, the book “Ethics and the Practice of Architecture” (John Wiley &Sons, Inc. 2000). An active architect and scholar, Sullivan presented papers and lectured at several conferences on topics related to accessibility and design of juvenile corrections facilities. In addition, he received several individual awards for excellence in architecture.
“Patrick was passionate about the profession and he was passionate about teaching and preparing students to enter a tough business,” says Marvin Malecha, former dean of the College of Environmental Design. “As an architect he took on one of the most difficult building types and yet managed to turn it into a research and scholarship effort that resulted in buildings that revolutionized how correctional facilities were considered, especially for juvenile offenders. He taught professional practice and yet managed to undertake a study of the ethical conduct of our profession and again turned it into a scholarship endeavor. He was politically conservative and yet he was generous toward the less fortunate with his time on pro bono projects for children’s shelters and for a women’s shelter. He was conservative in his views about architectural education and yet he went to bat for Cal Poly Pomona over and over again. “
Architecture Department Chair Judith Sheine adds: “He was a tireless advocate for the department, and we will miss his energy and commitment to the continual improvement and increased recognition of the architecture programs.
Sullivan’s design background encompasses correctional facility projects in several states, including California, New York and Texas, as well as Canada. Since 1975, his Claremont-based firm, Patrick Sullivan Associates, has been recognized as a national leader in the fields of juvenile and correctional shelters, rehabilitation projects, and assignments related to the Americans with Disabilities Act, winning numerous awards.
Sullivan received his bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of Minnesota and his master’s degree from Harvard University.
He is survived by his wife, Cynthia, and sons Kevin and Ryan.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Feb. 5 at 2 p.m. at Claremont Presbyterian Church, 1111 N. Mountain Ave., Claremont. The service will be followed by a reception at the Garner House, 840 N. Indian Hill Blvd., Claremont, which is located in the middle of Memorial Park.