A Newman Education as a Blueprint for Life: The Story of Luke '15 and Maggie (Canty) Sullivan '15

Our Newman School alumni include people from all over the world. We love it when they come back to visit us and, in the vein of our motto, Cor ad Cor Loquitur, we LOVE to learn more about what aspects of the Newman experience still speak to our former students’ hearts. 

When asked what was compelling about Newman, what aspects of Newman still speak to them, Luke Sullivan ‘15 and Maggie (Canty) Sullivan ‘15 had a lot to say.

Their time and experiences at Newman have profoundly shaped their lives, even a decade after graduating. Newman influenced pivotal chapters and decisions in their journey, including their first meeting in the fall of 2011 and their marriage in the summer of 2024. In many ways, Newman provided a blueprint for the lives they have built together. The School’s approach to life, learning, and community continues to inspire and guide Luke and Maggie. The sense of connection, thoughtful discussions, and supportive environment they experienced at Newman remain a cornerstone of their values and choices today.

One unforgettable aspect of the Newman experience for Luke and Maggie was the opportunity to venture beyond their hometowns and immerse themselves in everything Boston had to offer. Luke took the train in from Hingham, while Maggie commuted with her dad from Concord. For both, Boston was big, vibrant, and full of possibilities, and Newman’s student body mirrored this diversity, with students traveling from all corners of the region to 247 Marlborough Street.

Their days at Newman felt dynamic and expansive, shaped not only by being at Newman and in Boston but also through the actual daily commute. In the 9th grade, commuting provided Luke, Maggie, and their peers with a level of independence one does not typically get at a young age. It cultivated a sense of confidence, agency, and responsibility. Beyond practical skills, their commutes offered an education of a different kind, connecting them to the broader pulse of humanity outside the classroom.

The Newman values instilled in Luke and Maggie—the shared commitment to living expansively, to fostering meaningful connections with people from all walks of life while also cherishing the close-knit intimacy of their local communities—remained central as Maggie attended St. Lawrence University ('19) and Luke studied at The Catholic University of America (‘19). The lessons they learned at Newman continue to guide the way they live and work today.

 

Since college, both Luke and Maggie have thrived in the heart of Washington, DC, a city known for its fast-paced energy and rich diversity. Surrounded by individuals with a wide range of perspectives and backgrounds, they’ve embraced the lessons learned at Newman to connect thoughtfully and collaborate effectively, even with those who hold vastly different views on nearly every imaginable issue. Their ability to navigate this dynamic environment speaks to the enduring impact of their Newman education.

Luke and Maggie’s professional journeys have been seamlessly built upon the templates they began to sketch during their time at Newman. One such template, using the city as their campus, played a particularly influential role. For Luke, Newman was where his passion for politics first took root. During the 2012 presidential election, he interned at Mitt Romney’s campaign headquarters, an experience that cemented his love for the political world. Newman also provided a platform for Luke to channel his enthusiasm for leadership and politics. He served on the student council his entire time at Newman.

Serving on the student council offered Luke a uniquely Newman experience: delivering speeches to the student body at Faneuil Hall, a location rich with history. It was the same venue where Senator Ted Kennedy announced his presidential bid, Senator John Kerry conceded the 2004 presidential election, and President Barack Obama delivered a defense of the Affordable Care Act. These moments of connection to history left a lasting impression on Luke, shaping his approach to leadership and public service.

Maggie embraced the city’s dynamic opportunities in her own way. Being a member of Newman’s crew team, her days began at 6 am with rowing on the Charles River, an activity that fostered discipline and focus. She took full advantage of Newman’s flexibility, spending part of her junior year at the High Mountain Institute in Colorado. These experiences deepened her connection to both the natural world and her academic pursuits, setting the stage for her future endeavors.

Today, Luke and Maggie’s careers reflect the diverse and expansive opportunities they embraced at Newman. They are engaged in a variety of institutions, organizations, and communities across Washington, DC, continuing to draw on the lessons and values that Newman instilled in them.

Another important element of their Newman experience that guides their professional (and personal) lives, was—in part shaped by the IB program—the School's focus on asking meaningful questions, fostering dialogue across perspectives, and encouraging advocacy. Luke began his career in DC on Capitol Hill, working for Congresswoman Liz Cheney, and now works as a lobbyist. He thrives in the “messy middle,” often navigating complex issues to find common ground and achieve consensus. Maggie is the Director of Recruiting at The Choice, a staffing agency serving nonprofits and associations in Washington, DC. She finds fulfillment in helping clients identify the right candidates for specific roles and assisting job seekers land mission-driven positions. Both Luke and Maggie are deeply committed to their careers, which allow them to work with people from diverse backgrounds and build connections that bridge cultural divides.

In the spring of 2024, after five years of living together in Washington, Luke and Maggie took the exciting step of purchasing their first home in Alexandria, Virginia. Their approach to work-life balance reflects the values instilled at Newman: a love for vibrant urban environments like Washington and Boston, a commitment to making a difference in the world through their careers, and a deep appreciation for community and connection.

Adding a touch of New England charm to their life is their English bulldog, Dunkin’. Named after the beloved Massachusetts staple, Dunkin’ Donuts, their dog is a playful nod to their roots. While Dunkin’ keeps them grounded in nostalgia, one can’t help but wonder: have they found coffee in DC that compares to the timeless appeal of Dunkin’?

 

As our motto “Cor ad Cor Loquitur” says, heart speaks to heart, and in this regard, we are lucky to have Luke and Maggie among thousands of other alumni, who seem to have kept the Newman heart central to the navigation of their lives.