A Legacy of Love: Dietz-Sullivan Lecture Hall Dedicated

Westminster students are enjoying a new teaching and learning space in Hoyt Science Center thanks to a generous gift from Fred Sullivan to honor his late wife of 54 years, Carol Dietz Sullivan ’59.

The Fred and Carol (Dietz) ’59 Sullivan Lecture Hall, dedicated April 13, was made possible by a $1 million gift from Sullivan to preserve his wife’s memory. Dietz Sullivan, who earned her undergraduate degree in biology, passed away in 2013.

Clockwise from top left: The Sullivans; Fred Sullivan spends a moment admiring the signage outside the lecture hall; Carol’s senior portrait, 1959; President Richardson thanks Sullivan for his generous gift during the lecture hall’s dedication ceremony.

The 112-seat lecture hall addition is part of an ongoing $20 million renovation taking place in the Hoyt Science Center and features state-of-the-art technology, comfortable seating and a contemporary style. Each seat is equipped with power ports and the room features a sound system with microphone capabilities, as well as laser quality dual screen projection with a confidence monitor so presenters can view displayed content. The hall is accessible from the first floor of Hoyt and provides a seamless integration between the lecture hall, the planetarium and an engagement space.

Sullivan, who now resides in Lone Tree, Colo., attended the dedication ceremony with his children, grandchildren and other friends and family from across the country. Sullivan, who spent more than 40 years with the Dow Chemical Company, spoke of the importance of giving back to the college that meant so much to his wife.

“I felt like I owed something to the people here and owed something to the students to allow them to get an education,” said Sullivan, who also established the Carol Dietz Sullivan Biology Research Scholarship which provides funding opportunities for biology students to travel abroad and study in the field. S