Sullivan's $3 Million Gift Supports University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center

HONOLULU — Philanthropist and University of Hawaiʻi supporter Joanna Lau Sullivan has made a $3 million pledge to the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center to help build, furnish and maintain its new state-of-the-art research building scheduled to open in early 2013.

In recognition of her generosity, the Center will name its new conference center the Sullivan Conference Center. Earlier this year, Mrs. Sullivan made a major gift to the Cancer Center that was combined with a gift from her late husband, Maurice J. "Sully" Sullivan, to create the J and M Sullivan Cancer Fund.

"Joanna Sullivan has been a longtime supporter of the University of Hawaiʻi. She has been most generous with her commitment of time, wisdom, and resources. From serving on the Kapiʻolani Community College's Hoʻokipa Committee to her dedication to the UH Cancer Center, her impact on our students and our state is significant and will bring benefits for years to come,"

- MRC Greenwood, Ph.D. University of Hawaiʻi System President

Joanna Sullivan has been a major benefactor to a range of local nonprofits and institutions, including Chaminade University, St. Francis Healthcare System's Cardiac Care Center and Ronald McDonald House. Her ongoing commitment and engagement with the local community is well recognized and she was awarded the prestigious 2008 Outstanding Philanthropist Award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

"Joanna has made an extraordinary impact on our state through her philanthropy," said UH Mānoa Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw. "Her support of the UH Cancer Center will provide our leading scientists with the environment they need to be successful in their research efforts to prevent and treat cancer and to serve our community. We are so very grateful to her."

Joanna Sullivan's husband, "Sully" Sullivan, was a successful entrepreneur and legendary philanthropist who founded the Foodland grocery store chain with Joanna and her family in 1948. He is also credited with bringing the McDonald's and Dunkin' Donuts franchises to Hawaiʻi. A prominent community leader, he recognized the importance of the University of Hawaiʻi and supported a range of its programs. Sullivan also served as a UH Foundation trustee from 1978 to 1984.

The Sullivan family's support of cancer research in Hawaiʻi dates back decades. In 1971, Sully Sullivan established the Mama Lau Cancer Research Center at the University in memory of his mother-in-law. This laboratory led to the development of what is today the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center, one of the leading research institutions in the U.S. designated by the National Cancer Institute. The Sullivans have also been major donors to the Cancer Center, establishing a chair to provide leadership for cancer research in Hawaiʻi.

"Few have done as much as the Sullivan Family over many years to improve cancer research and treatment here in Hawaiʻi," said Dr. Michele Carbone, UH Cancer Center Director. Naming our new conference center after them will be a fitting tribute to their unflagging support and tremendous generosity. Their legacy will also inspire our dedication to finding better ways to beat cancer, knowing that they are with us every step of the way."

The desire to make a positive difference in the world is a trait Joanna shares with her family, including her children Kitty Sullivan Wo, Jenai Sullivan Wall, Colleen Sullivan and Patrick Sullivan.

"The Sullivan family, with Joanna at the helm, is a prime example of how generational philanthropy can shape a community and inspire others to perpetuate meaningful legacies,"

- Donna Vuchinich, president and CEO, UH Foundation.

You can also make a gift securely online at www.uhfoundation.org/GiveToCancerCenter.

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