Meet the Committee: Hayden Swift – Sullivan Upper School 1994 – 2001

Next up in our Meet the Committee series is Hayden Swift. A familiar face within the Sullivan community, who plays an important role in helping us build connections between past pupils and the school.

We caught up with Hayden to find out a little more about his time at Sullivan, what the school means to him and why staying connected with the Sullivan community matters.

Hayden Swift – Sullivan Upper Schools 1994 – 2001
House – Speers

What inspired you to get involved with Sullivan Alumni Association?

Sullivan was a big part of my formative years and helped shape who I am today, so joining the
Sullivan Alumni Association felt like a natural opportunity to give something back.
There is also a nice sense of coming full circle. I started Sullivan in 1994, and 32 years later
my daughter started Year 8 this year 2026.
Throughout my career, I’ve also seen first-hand the value of relationships and connections.
Sullivan has generations of former pupils working across an incredible range of businesses,
professions and industries. The Sullivan Alumni Association gives us an opportunity to bring that network
together for the benefit of past pupils, current pupils and the school.

How has Sullivan Upper School shaped your life and career?

Sullivan gave me a strong foundation, not only academically, but in confidence, teamwork,
leadership, discipline and the importance of relationships.
Being a Senior Prefect and captain of the 1st XV rugby team had taught me about
responsibility, leadership and getting the best out of others. Duke of Edinburgh, sport and my
interest in technology also encouraged me to challenge myself and try different things.
Those experiences have stayed with me throughout my career, particularly in commercial
growth, business development and leadership, where communication, teamwork and
building strong relationships are fundamental.

What is your fondest memory from your time at Sullivan?

It’s difficult to choose just one. Rugby was a huge part of my time at Sullivan, and captaining
the 1st XV was a real privilege. Having the opportunity to represent Ulster Schools and
Ulster U21s while still at school was also a fantastic experience.
But looking back, some of the best memories are the simplest ones - friendships, laughs,
school trips, Duke of Edinburgh, sport and the house system – with Speers House clearly
being the best! At the time, you probably don’t fully appreciate how special those years are.
Looking back, you certainly do.

What is your role within Sullivan Alumni Association and what does it involve?

I’m part of the Alumni Association, which meets monthly to help shape the direction and
growth of Sullivan Alumni.
My focus is on helping drive the vision - growing membership, increasing engagement and
finding new ways to bring former pupils together while supporting current pupils and the
wider school. That includes social events, careers events, dinners, developing the database
and digital platform, and improving communication through social media, newsletters and
regular updates. Ultimately, we want to create an active community that people genuinely
value and want to be part of.

Why do you think it’s important for alumni to stay connected with the school?

Sullivan is part of our story, and there is something important about staying connected to
where you came from and the people who shared that experience with you.
There is also real value in the network. Someone you sat beside in a classroom or played
sport with could cross your path again 10, 20 or 30 years later - personally or professionally.

A strong alumni community allows people to reconnect with old friends, build new
relationships, create business connections, mentor younger generations and support one
another.

How does the Sullivan Alumni Association help current students and alumni?

For alumni, it provides a platform to reconnect, network, attend events, share news and
maintain a relationship with the school.
For current pupils, the potential is enormous. Sullivan has former pupils working across
business, technology, medicine, law, engineering, sport, finance, the creative industries and
many other professions around the world.
Through careers events, mentoring, introductions, talks and work experience, we can give
pupils access to that experience and knowledge.
Sometimes one conversation with the right person can open a door or completely change
someone's career direction.

How can former students give back to the school, even in small ways?

Giving back doesn’t necessarily mean giving financially.
It could simply mean giving an hour of your time at a careers event, mentoring a pupil,
offering work experience, making an introduction, sharing your professional expertise,
attending an alumni event or helping us reconnect with other former pupils.
Small contributions across a large alumni community can make a significant difference.
Everyone has something they can contribute. That creates generations helping generations.
Someone receiving career advice from an alumnus today could be giving that same advice
to another Sullivan pupil 15 years from now.
Over time, that can create an incredibly strong Sullivan network across Northern Ireland, the
UK and internationally.

If you could give one piece of advice to current students, what would it be?

Work hard, follow your dreams and pursue what you are genuinely passionate about – but
never underestimate the importance of people.
Talk to everyone. Ask questions. Be curious. Introduce yourself and build as many genuine
relationships as possible.
Technology will change, industries will change and careers will change, but the ability to
communicate, build relationships and work well with people will always matter.
Don’t be afraid to take a different route or try something new. Some things won’t work out –
learn from them and keep moving forward. When I left Sullivan Upper, I graduated from Uni
Ulster with a degree in Physiotherapy, but now I am Head of Growth within the Luxury
Commercial Fit-Out sector.
Most importantly, enjoy your time at Sullivan. You may not realise it now, but the friendships,
experiences and relationships you’re building today could still be part of your life decades
from now.