Retired chemistry department chair Dr. Richard Sullivan presented a $50,000 check on behalf of he and his wife during the opening session of the the College of Science, Engineering and Technology’s 2nd Annual Research Symposium on Thursday, Feb. 27.
The donation is for establishing the Richard and Hursie Davis Sullivan Endowed Scholarship Fund, which will support students in the chemistry and biochemistry departments. The endowment will increase to $100,000 through JSU’s Title III Matching Gift program.
Sullivan joined Jackson State in 1974. Shortly after, he was promoted to chair of the chemistry department.
During his tenure, Sullivan helped secure the first grant from the National Science Foundation for the Louis Stokes Mississippi Alliance for Minority Participation (LSMAMP) program. The program aimed to increase graduation rates and numbers of students from all science and math areas.
“He helped develop so many programs that benefited thousands of students,” said Hongtao Yu, chair of the department of chemistry and biochemistry. “LSMAMP alone benefited thousands.”
During his presentation, Sullivan spoke briefly about both the history and current standing of the department.
“It is with great pleasure that I stand here and see the continuing success of this program, which I’m very proud of. I’m very proud to have had a hand in it,” Sullivan said.
The Research Symposium showcases faculty-mentored research of undergraduate and graduate students. Students from JSU and other institutions of higher learning in Mississippi present both oral and poster presentations that will be judged by experts in their respective fields.
