Hometown Hillsdale: Tim Sullivan, ’85
Written by Stephanie Gordon
Tim Sullivan, ’85, smiled as he shared photos from his time as a student-athlete and an Admissions Counselor. In the mix was a joyful photo of Tim’s wedding party posed in front of Central Hall. It’s no secret that Tim’s Hillsdale experience was nothing short of extraordinary. Although the sport of running brought him to the College, it was the people who helped plant Tim’s roots in Hillsdale.
Originally from Metro Detroit, Tim graduated from Brother Rice High School in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, where he ran track and cross country. “I still remember my high school track coach Bob Stark saying, “Don’t pick a college just for running, but also pick a college you’ll still love if running doesn’t work out,” Tim said.
One of Tim’s closest friends, Mike Nugent, ’85, was a friendly rival from Detroit Catholic Central. “We met as freshmen high school students while running track, and we found ourselves being recruited by the same colleges,” he said. “We both left the Detroit area to attend Hillsdale College. We roomed together all four years, and still remain close friends.”
Even though an injury forced Tim to run just one season of cross country for the Chargers, many of his teammates remain close friends to this day. “I tried training for track after my injury, but the problem persisted and I had to stop,” said Tim. “Initially, it was challenging not to be a part of the team, but it allowed me to become active in other things on campus and have other experiences that I wouldn’t have had otherwise.”
Tim shared that Hillsdale College was a financial stretch for his family, but he thanks the Financial Aid Office for making his Hillsdale experience possible. He fondly remembers spending time with Financial Aid Director Connie Bricker. “I could walk in and talk to her at any time, and I’m sure she had other things to do, but she always made time for students,” Tim said. “She was pretty remarkable that way.”
The English major enjoyed giving campus tours to prospective students. He also became involved in the intramural (IM) program, and eventually became the IM director. “I also coached one season of varsity cross country at Jonesville High School, and I worked in the dining hall,” he added.
After graduation, Tim worked as an Admissions Counselor for one year, and after giving a campus tour to a prospective family from Detroit, Tim received a computer sales job offer. He then worked in the Detroit area for a couple years before returning to Hillsdale to work in fundraising. “Jack McAvoy was a great role model to me, and he always had my best interest,” said Tim. “I had told Jack I was interested in fundraising, and he told me John Cervini would give me a call.”
Tim went on to be the director of corporate development for the College for seven years and also acted as the alumni director for three years. During that time, Tim met his wife, Jackie Zielinski, ’87, who was working in Admissions at the time, and they married in 1990. In 1999, Tim left the College to work for County National Bank (CNB). “I loved working at the College, but it was before there were regional reps, and I was on the road a lot,” Tim recalled. “It was a hard decision to leave, but we had three children and one on the way, and I wanted to be home more for my family.”
Recently completing his 23rd year at CNB, Tim works for CNB’s Wealth Management Team as their 2nd vice president and wealth management officer. “We help individuals at all stages of life to plan for the future and to grow and preserve their wealth, and we help families with trust and estate settlement as well. We also work with organizations to help with their financial and investment needs. “It’s an interesting field with lots of opportunity for personal growth. There’s always something to study and to learn, and it’s a good feeling when you can help someone achieve their goals.”
Tim and Jackie have four children: Patrick, Peter, Maeve, and Nolan, ’22. All four graduated from Hillsdale Academy. Tim said he and Jackie enjoyed getting involved with their children at the Academy. He acted as the assistant soccer coach under Neal Brady for 13 years and also coached 8th grade basketball. They appreciated the education that their children received and the leadership provided by Mike Roberts, Dr. Ken Calvert, and the staff. Tim and Jackie still enjoy attending sporting events and supporting the Colts whenever they can.
With their children grown and out of the house, Tim and Jackie are in a new life stage. Staying active in the community, they are members at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, and Tim is a member of the Hillsdale Rotary Club. “It really is the people,” Tim concluded. “It’s just hard to put into words. We feel so blessed and fortunate to call Hillsdale home.”
Stephanie Gordon, a lifelong Hillsdale native, is the managing editor of the Virtue and Valor: The Official Blog of Hillsdale College. She is married to chiropractor, Dr. Matt Gordon, and has three children – Eloise, Flora, and Jack. When she has a spare moment, she enjoys paleo baking, floating on Baw Beese Lake, and breaking a sweat at the gym.
Published in October 2023