2025 SESSION
ENROLLED
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 781
Celebrating the life of Ann Marie Sullivan, Ph.D.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 19, 2025
WHEREAS, Ann Marie Sullivan, Ph.D., an esteemed educator and dedicated member of the Prince George County community, died on September 1, 2024; and
WHEREAS, Ann Marie Sullivan was born in Minnesota on August 15, 1960, to Laurel and the late Harold Gehlert; and
WHEREAS, Ann Marie Sullivan was a distinguished professor of chemistry at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, where she taught for 31 years, tirelessly educating and mentoring generations of students; and
WHEREAS, prior to her tenure at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, Ann Marie Sullivan earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and a doctoral degree in chemistry from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1993; and
WHEREAS, Ann Marie Sullivan was a dedicated member of the Virginia Community College System, where she had taught full-time since 1993, enriching the academic experience of her students and advancing the field of chemistry education; and
WHEREAS, a leader within the American Chemical Society, Ann Marie Sullivan made a lasting impact over 40 years, serving in key national and local roles, including committee chair, councilor, and section chair, while also organizing Chemistry Olympiad and community activities; and
WHEREAS, Ann Marie Sullivan was the recipient of numerous accolades for her leadership and service, including recognition for her contributions to diversity, technician affairs, membership engagement, and the promotion of women in chemistry; and
WHEREAS, outside of her professional accomplishments, Ann Marie Sullivan was a devoted wife to the late David Sullivan, her husband of 41 years, who passed away on March 2, 2024; and
WHEREAS, Ann Marie Sullivan cherished time with her sons, Bryan Sullivan of Chester and Patrick Sullivan of Prince George County, and found joy in making jewelry, gardening with her mother, and collaborating with her brother, Owen, on home renovations; and
WHEREAS, Ann Marie Sullivan will be fondly remembered by her sons, Bryan and Patrick; her mother, Laurel; her brothers, Lyle and Owen; and many extended family members, friends, colleagues, and students whose lives she touched; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Ann Marie Sullivan, Ph.D., whose legacy as an educator, mentor, and leader will be cherished by all who knew her; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Ann Marie Sullivan, Ph.D., as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for her memory.