Dr. John W. Ryan Library
On Saturday, November 18th, 2017 the Kappa Sigma Fraternity International Headquarters was fortunate enough to host almost 40 members of the Ryan Family, along with an impressive list of distinguished guests for the dedication of the Dr. John W. Ryan Library.
Dr. John W. Ryan was initiated into the Delta-Sigma Chapter at the University of Utah on November 18th, 1950. On that day, one of the most significant leaders that Kappa Sigma would ever know joined the Order.
Brother Ryan was not only an important leader for the Kappa Sigma Fraternity but was a motivator, mentor, and gifted educator who would have significant impacts on higher education throughout the world.
Brother Ryan served as President of Indiana University for 17 years (1971-1987) and his name was synonymous with the historic Big Ten Institution. He was revered by his students and was treasured by the alumni, faculty, and administration.
John Ryan would serve as Interim President at Florida Atlantic University in 1989 and at the University of Maryland at Baltimore in 1994. He was Chancellor of the State University of New York from 1997 through 1999.
Brother Ryan was selected as Kappa Sigma’s 41st Man of the Year for 1975 and would serve on the Supreme Executive Committee from 1981-1987. He was elected to the Kappa Sigma Endowment Fund in 1987 and 2001 serving the positions of Secretary and Treasurer. He served as Worthy Grand Master from 1985-1987.
In 2003, Brother Ryan was inducted to the Kappa Sigma Hall of Honor as a member of the Inaugural Class which included the Five Friends and Brothers, Stephen Alonzo Jackson, and his friend and Brother, Luke J. Schissel.
In 2017 the Kappa Sigma Endowment Fund Trustees established the Dr. John W. Ryan Leadership Circle, which recognizes the Top 25 undergraduates who scored highest on the Scholarship-Leadership Award. The list of winners from each year will now hang in the Dr. John W. Ryan Library.
The Kappa Sigma Fraternity wishes to thank Pat Ryan for the contribution of Brother Ryan’s Library to the Headquarters. This valued and treasured collection is a significant part of our International Headquarters, and the Dr. John W. Ryan Library will stand in perpetuity. If you are interested in contributing to the Dr. John W. Ryan Library, please contact the Endowment Fund.