Northwestern University Athletics
The Ryan Family
The Ryan Family
In the annals of higher education philanthropy, few families have exhibited the vision, generosity and impact of Patrick G. Ryan ’59, ’09 H and Shirley W. Ryan ’61, ’19 H (’97, ’00 P).
In 2021, they made the single largest gift in Northwestern University’s history, a $450 million commitment that will accelerate breakthroughs in biomedical and economic research and enable the University to reimagine Ryan Field and construct a world-class venue for the Northwestern community.
The couple’s giving throughout We Will. The Campaign for Northwestern has supported endowed professorships, research, music, and athletics. The Ryans also served as Campaign co-chairs and members of the Campaign Steering Committee for the effort that raised more than $6 billion, making it one of the most successful fundraising campaigns in the history of higher education. Their generational generosity has touched countless corners of the University and made a dramatic impact on past, present and future Wildcats.
Mr. and Mrs. Ryan treasure their three sons, Pat, Rob and Corbett; daughter-in-law, Lydia; and three grandchildren, along with their extended family members, many of whom have Northwestern degrees.
In the annals of higher education philanthropy, few families have exhibited the vision, generosity and impact of Patrick G. Ryan ’59, ’09 H and Shirley W. Ryan ’61, ’19 H (’97, ’00 P).
In 2021, they made the single largest gift in Northwestern University’s history, a $450 million commitment that will accelerate breakthroughs in biomedical and economic research and enable the University to reimagine Ryan Field and construct a world-class venue for the Northwestern community.
The couple’s giving throughout We Will. The Campaign for Northwestern has supported endowed professorships, research, music, and athletics. The Ryans also served as Campaign co-chairs and members of the Campaign Steering Committee for the effort that raised more than $6 billion, making it one of the most successful fundraising campaigns in the history of higher education. Their generational generosity has touched countless corners of the University and made a dramatic impact on past, present and future Wildcats.
Mr. and Mrs. Ryan treasure their three sons, Pat, Rob and Corbett; daughter-in-law, Lydia; and three grandchildren, along with their extended family members, many of whom have Northwestern degrees.
