Michael G Sullivan

We owned and operated a bookstore in Washington DC until 2006 when our lease was bought out by a concern which eventually remodeled the whole site to include the new International Spy Museum. Managed the bookstore at Friends University in Wichita from 2008 until June of this year (2021). My spouse, Linda (class of 1972) has been involved in higher education since forever and is currently a special VP at Southwestern College in Winfield, KS.

I did not grow up un Wichita and kind of dropped in after being a child of a Navy father who traveled the world. Even though he met and married my mother while living not more than two blocks from where I live now, I did not get to know this city until the mid-60’s, by which time I’d developed into the typical rebellious youth. It would be this attitude which colored and provided background for the West High days. Firmly occupying the “hippie” tier of HS society led to its own adventures and opportunities, and I don’t know that I’d have had it any other way. Being arrested and jailed for marijuana possession was a kind of badge of honor, but it also led to a strong desire to leave town. Happily, a new environment led to some better “life choices”, as they say. Never pursued anything illicit after to 70’s unless you count books. I probably owe this particular love to many, many of the fine teachers at WHS, particularly Alice Turley. I don’t believe I could have had a better education.

Other Willard

Hadley

Washington DC, student and news aid, San Francisco, CA, adventuring, back to Washington DC managed then owned a long established bookstore. Also resided in Takoma Park, MD (right outside of DC) while commuting to the store, then off to Peck, KS upon sale of the bookstore lease to take over my in-law's home, finally moving “into town” (Wichita) to be closer to the job at Friends University.

I’m afraid I’d leave someone out and/or misremember their names. There were many kind and patient souls along the way. Gladys Cooprider at Willard Elementary was a guiding influence in my earliest memories. Alice Turley cemented my love of books and writing. The rest all contributed in some way to a happy life.

We still travel quite a bit. We just completed a four week Utah camping journey and soaked up its breathtaking beauty. We may soon return to Ireland and perhaps a Danube cruise, or perhaps Alaska. My favorite city probably is Barcelona with all its art, culture, cathedrals and food, but there are so many other horizons to explore. The book biz is still very much a part of what we do and frequently influences where we go. We are always interested in places where historical events occurred or settings which inspired others.

I thought I might be a politician or a government official. I’m glad I did not. I guess I'd also have to admit I had visions of writing something publishable, but I do now believe the cause was better served by promoting those who are and were significantly more talented.

I packed up my car and drove to Washington, DC with plans of never looking back. Nevertheless, I returned again and again to visit with a few old friends and to mind my family. Still, the wanderlust never really settled down.

Running the bookstore in DC offered enormous and wonderful opportunities to meet the famous and near-famous. Many politicians (JimmyCarter, Tip O’Neal & etc.), journalists (Bob Woodward, George Will), sports figures (Cal Ripken, George Foreman), entertainers (George Takai, David Cassidy) and so on. Mostly, though, I am happy to be associated with the famous natives of Washington DC, many of whom are not really famous here in Kansas.

Hike across one of the Hawaiian Islands.

I guess if I'd tried to be a little less headstrong and independent life could have been a good deal less complicated. Sometimes I fell in with what might be called "the wrong crowd", but really only because those people really fascinated me. Possibly I was thinking of building a character list for some novel, or possibly I was just trying to step into one. Not that I ever engaged in any serious criminal activity, I just wanted to hear their stories. Still, it is probably those very characteristics which took me to where I am now. I feel grateful and blessed for every day of this journey.