Commencement Speaker Tom Sullivan

On May 21, Tom Sullivan addressed the Marymount College graduating class of 2011 with an inspirational commencement speech. In recognition of his significant contributions to both the world and the local community, President Michael S. Brophy also presented Tom with an Honorary Doctorate Degree during the ceremony.

The College was honored to host Tom as the 2011 Commencement speaker. His words struck a chord with both the students and the audience as he reminded us all that if you believe in yourself enough, you can do anything. Actress Betty White, who has worked with Tom had this to say about his innate ability to inspire: “What makes Tom stimulating is the feeling that he is speaking with you, not at you, says White. “ Soon you find yourself looking at commonplace things in a slightly different light. Before long you are relating his stories to your own stories-and seeing them with a new perspective and rekindled enthusiasm. Tom’s passion is contagious.”

Tom is an accomplished actor, singer, entertainer, correspondent, author and producer who constantly demonstrates that any negative can be turned into a positive.  Born prematurely in 1947, Tom was given too much oxygen while in an incubator.  Though it saved his life, it cost him his eyesight.  The “inconvenience” of being blind has never kept Tom from competing in a world where he realized that to be equal, for him, meant that he must be better.  Even as he may have had to change the rules slightly, he has proven that one need not be limited by a handicap, whether it is playing backyard baseball as a youngster or any activity he’s pursued. Today he is a marathoner, skier and golfer.

Thanks to Tom’s public life, he has been privileged to become one of America’s most sought-after motivational speakers, communicating with over 3,000 corporations around the world.  His message of hope is best expressed in his quote from his ESPN special, Superior Beings:  “If extraordinary people can do impossible things, isn’t it reasonable to assume that ordinary people can do extraordinary things.” To read more about Tom Sullivan, visit http://sullivanlive.com. 

Actress Betty White has worked with Sullivan previously says, “What makes Tom stimulating is the feeling that he is speaking with you, not at you, says White. “ Soon you find yourself looking at commonplace things in a slightly different light. Before long you are relating his stories to your own stories-and seeing them with a new perspective and rekindled enthusiasm. Tom Sullivan’s passion is contagious.” read more