The Sullivan Center

'Iolani School plans to enhance its existing campus with a new facility scheduled to open in fall 2013.

Named The Sullivan Center in honor of lead donor Joanna Lau Sullivan and her family, it will celebrate and honor the family's commitment to serving the community and promoting education and lifelong learning for Hawai'i's youth.

The Sullivan Center will bring a new vision for the future that focuses on 21st century learning skills, while all aspects of the Center will be guided by four principles: innovation, citizenship, communication and discovery.

Located on the site of the Upper School library building, the Center will include the library, archives, senior bench area, learning areas equipped with advanced technology, audio visual storage and distribution center, multi-use floor space, film production studio, conference rooms, offices, laboratory stations, and study areas. A wireless computer environment, laptop carts and sustainable architecture have also been planned.  The four-story Center will overlook Sullivan Courtyard across from the Weinberg Building.

"We will continue to provide a nurturing, safe and stimulating learning environment in which students can express themselves creatively and meaningfully through a wide range of venues and opportunities," Headmaster Dr. Val Iwashita said.

Activities that offer students hands on learning experiences will be housed in the Center. These include robotics, real world design competitions, film and website production, community service programs, social entrepreneurship initiatives, service learning opportunities, science fellowships, and more.

“We are extremely grateful to the Sullivan family for sharing our vision for the future of learning at ‘Iolani School,” Iwashita said. “The Sullivan Center will build upon the academic excellence for which 'Iolani is well known and will help to ensure the school will continue to pioneer educational opportunities into the 21st Century.”

Joanna and her late husband Maurice J. "Sully" Sullivan together opened Foodland, Hawai'i's first supermarket, in 1948.  Sully was one of the most successful entrepreneurs in Hawai'i history as he brought McDonald's to the islands and opened more than 100 retail outlets across the state.  The Sullivan family has long supported a wide range of worthwhile projects for Hawai'i's non-profit organizations including Chaminade University, the Honolulu Academy of Arts, the University of Hawai'i Cancer Center, Ronald McDonald House, and Punahou School.

“My family and I are delighted to be a part of this very important new venture for ‘Iolani School,” Sullivan said. “Two of my grandchildren are graduates of ‘Iolani so I am well aware of the positive impact the school makes on children’s lives. I applaud the school’s efforts to foster creativity, collaboration, and the pursuit of passion in this new Center.”

Here is a general timeline:

• Summer 2011 -- Ground work began for infrastructure upgrades.
• Summer 2012 -- Ranzman Library relocates to Seto Hall for 2012-2013 school year. Library building is demolished. Senior benches relocate to art building lanai for 2012-2013 school year. Some offices and classrooms may also be relocated while construction takes place.
• June 2012 to August 2013 -- Construction for The Sullivan Center takes place.
• Fall 2013 -- The Sullivan Center opens.