$10 million gift to high school from John J. Sullivan former student-turned diplomat

Former U.S. Ambassador to Russia John J. Sullivan has pledged a $10 million gift to his alma mater, Xaverian Brothers High School.

The donation, the largest in the school’s history, was inspired by the death of Sullivan’s wife and a reflection on his own legacy.

Sullivan, a 1977 graduate, credits Xaverian with having a transformative impact on his life.

John J. Sullivan, a former U.S. Ambassador to Russia and a 1977 graduate of Xaverian Brothers High School, has pledged a $10 million gift to the Westwood school, according to a community announcement.

Sullivan’s donation is the largest in the school’s history and marks a significant shift in its philanthropic opportunities, according to Jacob Conca, Xaverian’s head of school.

Sullivan’s decision came after the passing of his wife, Grace Rodriguez, in 2022. He began considering his own estate plans and realized he had the capacity to make a meaningful impact, according to the announcement.

John J. Sullivan served as ambassador to Russia from 2020 to 2022.

“My wife and I were very fortunate,” Sullivan said in a statement. “As I was thinking about my will, I thought, ‘I can make a bigger impact. I have the means to make a contribution that benefits an institution that I feel strongly about, and there’s only one — Xaverian.’”

Sullivan’s connection to Xaverian dates back to 1972. He described his time at the school as transformative, according to the announcement.

“The school embraced me and I embraced the school,” he said. “I spent all day, every day at Xaverian until I had to get home for dinner. I just loved being there.”

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Sullivan’s relationship with the Xaverian brothers, who worked and lived on campus, also played a significant role in his decision, according to the announcement.

“Xaverian has given so much more to me — even after I had graduated — than what my family gave in tuition while I was a student. That’s what animates my giving.”

Besides making the $10 million commitment, Sullivan plans to continue supporting the school’s annual fund with $100,000 a year.

“I’m making these commitments because I have confidence in Xaverian’s people and mission,” Sullivan said. “Since I was asked to join the board of trustees in 2023, I have seen firsthand that the school is as good, if not better, than it was 50 years ago. We’re taking Xaverian into the future in a state, a region and a country that needs it now more than ever.”

Xaverian, a college-prep day school for boys in grades 7-12, is one of 13 Xaverian Brothers-sponsored schools in the United States.