U. grad dies after being struck by car off campus

University alumna Kathleen Sullivan died at 1:30 p.m. yesterday after she was struck by a drunk driver Tuesday night at the corner of 48th Street and Larchwood Avenue. The driver, who tried to leave the scene of the accident, was later identified and arrested. The impact of the car knocked the 1993 College graduate from her bicycle and threw her 50 feet. Sullivan suffered massive brain injuries and broken legs, according to Gloria Casarez, her housemate and co-worker. Casarez, who identified Sullivan after the accident, said although the 23-year-old was declared brain-dead early this morning, doctors kept her alive so her organs could be donated. Six people will benefit from the transplant of her organs. Nothing characterizes Sullivan better than this donation, according to those who knew her. It is befitting that she is helping others to live, even after her death. "Kathleen was a completely giving, completely selfless women," Casarez said. "She gave of herself, worked tirelessly for others and was really committed to living her beliefs and not just believing." Sullivan's fight against poverty began while she was a student at the University, Casarez added. Sullivan's list of accomplishments exemplifies her devotion to service. She was the Community Projects Director of Kite and Key, the founder of Alternate aSpring Break, chairperson of the Penn Volunteer network and a participant in Empty the Shelters. David Grossman, director of the Program for Student-Community Involvement, said Sullivan will be greatly missed by the University. "She was extraordinarily committed and generous," he said. "She made extraordinary contributions to Penn students as much when she was a student and in her life after Penn." After graduating with honors as an International Relations major, Sullivan devoted all her time to serving the community, Casarez said. Sullivan was working for several community service organizations including: Empty the Shelter, the Kensington Welfare Rights Union, the Union of the Homeless, the Annie Smart Leadership Development Institute and the Up and Out of Poverty Now Coalition. Sullivan's parents are setting a memorial fund in her name. All donations will be given to the charities she supported. A memorial service will be held for Sullivan at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Friends' Center at 15th Street and Cherry Avenue. A separate memorial service at the University has yet to be organized.

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