April 2008

Building honor

Since its opening in 2003, the new landmark on the corner of North Drive and McIver Street simply has been called the “Science Building.” But no longer.

Now the state-of-the-art facility has a new name — the Patricia A. Sullivan Science Building.

The announcement took place following the final trustees meeting of Sullivan's tenure as chancellor at UNCG. Following adjournment, the group came to the site where a crowd was waiting.

“Pat, for your dedication; for the excellence of your leadership; for your love of this campus, its faculty, staff and students; and for your love of the sciences — the UNCG Board of Trustees can't think of a better way to honor you and your legacy, than to name this building for you,” said Trustees Chair Stephen C. Hassenfelt. “From this day on, students who come and go through its doors will know it as the Patricia A. Sullivan Science Building — and they will know of the many ways you helped to improve the education that they will receive at UNCG.”

UNC President Erskine Bowles was on hand with another surprise. He told Sullivan she was receiving The Old North State Award from Gov. Mike Easley. The Old North State Award recognizes “dedication and service beyond expectation and excellence to the Great State of North Carolina.”

Its inscription read: “You have recognized that the real focus in life is to do more, to be more and to give more. It is above all else to matter and to count … to stand for something and to make a difference.”

Sullivan said she was humbled, even embarrassed, by the magnitude of the tribute. “Knowing that this building now carries my name stirs a combination of emotions that are difficult to describe,” she said. “I strongly feel that I have not defined this university; rather it has defined me. I have not single-handedly impacted UNCG; but it has made a profound impact on me. And as much as I love the sciences and believed in the need for this building, I did not lay these bricks. I did not draft the blueprints. Nor did I hire each professor or recruit each student who walks these halls, advances knowledge and makes important discoveries.

“The sciences have rewarded me. This university and all the wonderful people associated with it have rewarded me. And today, you've rewarded me with an incredible honor.”