Sullivan Watkins, A Sophomore At The Citadel, Dies at 20 After Fighting Cancer
The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, is a place where young men and women learn to become leaders, scholars, and citizens. It is also a place where they form bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood that last a lifetime. Sadly, one of those bonds was broken on January 1, 2024, when Sullivan Watkins, a sophomore cadet, passed away after a courageous battle with leukemia. He was 20 years old.
Who Was Sullivan Watkins?
Sullivan Watkins was born on March 15, 2003, in Charleston, South Carolina, to Robert and Mary Watkins. He had two older sisters, Emily and Grace, who adored him. He grew up in a family that valued service, education, and faith. His father was a retired Navy captain and his mother was a nurse. His sisters both attended The Citadel, graduating in 2021 and 2022, respectively.
Watkins followed in their footsteps and enrolled at The Citadel in 2022, after graduating from Bishop England High School with honors. He was a member of the Honors Program, the Regimental Band and Pipes, and the Newman Club. He was majoring in civil engineering and had a 4.0 GPA. He aspired to become a naval officer and a civil engineer after graduation.
Sullivan was known for his kindness, generosity, and humor. He was always willing to help his classmates, whether it was with homework, drill, or personal problems. He had a smile that could light up a room and a laugh that was contagious. He loved music, sports, and movies. He was a fan of the Clemson Tigers, the Carolina Panthers, and the Star Wars franchise. He played the trumpet, the guitar, and the piano. He enjoyed hiking, camping, and fishing with his friends and family.
A Battle with Leukemia
Sullivan’s life took a tragic turn in October 2023, when he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a type of blood cancer that affects the white blood cells. He was admitted to the Medical University of South Carolina, where he underwent chemotherapy and other treatments. He faced his illness with courage, optimism, and faith. Sullivan Watkins never complained or gave up hope. He continued to study and communicate with his professors and classmates online. He received countless cards, letters, and gifts from his fellow cadets, faculty, staff, and alumni of The Citadel. He also received support from other military colleges, such as West Point, VMI, and Norwich.
Despite his condition, Watkins remained active and involved in his community. He participated in several fundraisers and awareness campaigns for leukemia research and treatment. He also volunteered for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, granting the wishes of other children with life-threatening illnesses. He was awarded the Order of the Palmetto, the highest civilian honor in South Carolina, by Governor Henry McMaster, for his service and inspiration to others.
A Legacy of Love and Honor
Sullivan Watkins passed away peacefully on January 1, 2024, surrounded by his family and friends. He was given full military honors by The Citadel, including a 21-gun salute, a flyover by the Blue Angels, and a burial at the Summerall Chapel Cemetery. He was posthumously promoted to the rank of cadet captain and awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration in the United States, for his bravery and sacrifice. He was also named the valedictorian of the Class of 2024, and his diploma was presented to his parents at the commencement ceremony.
Watkins’s death has left a void in the hearts of many, but his memory lives on in the lives of those he touched. He is remembered as a son, a brother, a friend, a cadet, a leader, a scholar, a citizen, and a hero. He is remembered as a person who embodied the core values of The Citadel: honor, duty, and respect. He is remembered as a person who made a difference in the world.
Sullivan Watkins, rest in peace. You are not forgotten. You are forever a part of The Citadel family.
