Friend of Marquette Athletics Award

David J. Sullivan III, Sp ’86
Westport, Conn.

During his time at Marquette, Dave Sullivan was a member of the first men’s club lacrosse team. In the mid-1980s, lacrosse was not well known in Wisconsin, so he and his teammates had to drive down to Chicago to purchase lacrosse equipment. Since then, the lacrosse program has experienced huge growth, and Marquette varsity lacrosse players are now able to compete against some of the best programs in the country in the Big East Conference.

Dave believes that participating in sports at the collegiate level gives student-athletes an undeniable advantage: “Being part of a team gives an individual invaluable experience that will allow them to succeed in the challenges that life will present.”

Dave and his family established the Sullivan-Riccio Family Endowed Lacrosse Scholarship Fund to support the men’s and women’s varsity lacrosse programs at Marquette. They find great satisfaction in watching the student-athletes arrive on campus and grow into confident, accomplished men and women. Dave and his family also support Marquette students with an academic scholarship.

As a senior vice president in wealth management for UBS Financial Services since 1990, Dave sees his role as a trusted partner in the lives of his clients, providing guidance and input on their important life decisions.

Dave volunteered his time and talent recently for more than eight years as a member of the State of Connecticut Judicial Branch Client Security Fund, which reviews claims filed by members of the public who have been victims of a defalcation (embezzling) by a member of the Connecticut Bar. He was fulfilled by the combination of public service and intellectual challenge.

Fun Facts:

What is one of your favorite Marquette memories?
Any memory of the early years of Marquette’s club lacrosse team would count as favorites. Practicing daily on a patch of grass along Wisconsin Ave. between McCormick Hall and the Jesuit Residence was a way of showcasing the sport to a population that was wholly unaware of it.

Name a Marquette faculty or staff member who had an impact on you, and how.
Dr. Jim Tiedge. He was a very intelligent, stern but caring professor. He was straightforward in his approach by telling you up front how demanding his class was going to be, but in doing so, he was able to bring out the best in each of his students.