Steve and Cindi Sullivan Establish Writers Retreat for Students

Louisville residents Steve Sullivan (M.S. ’83 in Geology, B.S. ’79 in Geology) and Cindi Sullivan (B.S. ’81 in Horticulture) have been deeply involved with their alma mater in many ways over the years. As chair of the Dean’s Development Council, Steve is a leading volunteer in the College of Arts & Sciences’ philanthropic initiatives and was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2019. The couple have been attending the English Department’s Visting Writers Series and were inspired to create a writers retreat for our students. The Sullivans’ Lakeside Writers Retreat takes place at their cabin in Celina, Tennessee. “Both of us have been very fortunate in our careers and life,” said Mr. Sullivan, “and we have the desire to pay it forward.” For many creative writers, an off-campus learning environment is a rewarding and eye-opening experience, and the Sullivans’ workspace is one that is scenic, comfortable, and free of distractions. Together with Greg and Joan Swanberg’s Mill House Residency in Virginia, the Sullivans’ Retreat is a meaningful addition to the English Department’s portfolio of writing residencies and will be instrumental in both graduate recruitment and student success. “We’ve really enjoyed our connection with the English Department, the M.F.A. Program, and the College,” said Sullivan. “The retreat just seemed like the right thing to do.”