Former IU President John Ryan dies at age 81

Former IU President John W. Ryan died early Saturday at IU Health Bloomington Hospital. He was 81.

Ryan was president of IU for 16 years, retiring in 1986. Under his leadership IU created regional campuses in Richmond and New Albany, established the IU Office of International Affairs and allowed the filming of “Breaking Away” to take place on campus.

“He was a strong leader who took the helm as president at a difficult time and earned the respect of the faculty, staff, state legislature and alumni,” IU President Michael McRobbie said in a statement.  “Dr. Ryan saw the possibilities for IU as a great state university operating on an international stage at a time when few others were thinking in such terms.”

Even in retirement, Ryan remained a friend to the University, helping to raise hundreds of millions of dollars for IU and chiming in on key decisions about its future.

“Indiana has lost a great citizen, and Indiana University has lost a large part of its proud history,” Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels stated Saturday. “John Ryan’s love and leadership of IU never ended. He was engaged and consulted on key decisions right to the end of his days.”

In 2009, Ryan was presented with the University Medal, the highest honor IU can bestow. Recalling that honor, McRobbie was reminded of a gift Ryan once presented him with.

Just a few days after being named president, McRobbie said he received a vase of red roses from Ryan. Ryan had received a vase of similar flowers from Herman B Wells more than 30 years earlier when he was named president.

“Indiana University has lost a visionary leader and great friend with the passing of Dr. John Ryan,” McRobbie said. “He will be deeply missed.”

— Jake New