North Carolina Wesleyan University

Cliff was an exemplary student-athlete. Never playing soccer, he tried out and did so well the coaches nicknamed him "Hustle" and gave him The Coaches Award in 1975. He also played baseball for NCWU being named Outstanding Male Athlete and MVP in 1976. Cliff graduated from NCWU with a B.A. in Political Studies and History in 1978. His friends said he went to North Carolina Wesleyan College and never left. From 1979 to 2013, he worked at the College in various role, including: Admissions Counselor, Director of Academic Advising & Registrar, Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs and Registrar & Veteran Affairs Coordinator. In April 2013, Sullivan passed away.

Cliff's love for North Carolina Wesleyan College went well beyond performing his job. He was a member of the Alumni Board and served on many committees. "Ask Cliff" was not just a phrase heard around campus, but an acknowledgment of his detailed institutional memory and keen intelligence. As a result, he was awarded The NCWU Distinguished Staff Award in 1992.