Brother J. Stephen Sullivan, F.S.C.

Brother J. Stephen Sullivan, F.S.C., who was president of Manhattan College in the Bronx from 1975 to 1987, died Jan. 9 at the brothers' residence in Lincroft, N.J. He was 86. He is credited with implementing the transformation of Manhattan College into a co-educational institution and ensuring the integration of women into the entire curriculum. The college also experienced significant growth in enrollment. Under his leadership, the college constructed a new athletic facility, Draddy Gymnasium. He also oversaw the building of Maurice F. Granville Residence Hall, as well as the creation of a new research and learning center. Manhattan College also established programs for teaching and rehabilitation of the disabled, professional ethics, biotechnology, robotics and computer sciences. The college's peace studies program was established along with a graduate program leading to the master's degree in business administration. Born in Boston, he entered the Brothers of the Christian Schools and took the religious name Brother Casimir Stephen. He made his final vows in 1938. He taught at De La Salle College in Washington, D.C., and earned a licentiate in sacred theology. He served as dean of studies and pro-director at De La Salle. In 1959, he came to Manhattan College as an assistant professor of theology. Four years later, he was named associate professor and academic vice president. He was appointed executive vice president and provost in 1970. He was given honorary doctoral degrees from La Salle University in Philadelphia and from the College of Mount St. Vincent in the Bronx. He was the recipient of numerous awards, including the Alpha Phi Delta Award in appreciation of devoted service to Manhattan College. After leaving Manhattan College, he was director of development for the New York Province of the Christian Brothers. He received a master's degree in classical languages at Manhattan College, a master's in philosophy at Boston College and a doctorate in sacred theology from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where he also earned his bachelor's in classics. Brother Sullivan is survived by a sister, Sister Margaret de Sales Sullivan, S.C. He was predeceased by a brother, Father John Sullivan, S.J., and a sister, Margaret Sullivan. A Funeral Mass was offered Jan. 13 in De La Salle and His Brothers Chapel on campus. Burial was in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne.