Rich Ryan
I love the energy and excitement you feel when you step on campus, especially in the music department.
I was inspired to give when I saw what other donors were doing, what a difference they were making.
I thought, “maybe I could be one of those people, too.”
Even thought I’m not an alumnus, I’ve been closely involved with NIU for many years.
When I heard that the Vermeer Quartet was retiring from NIU, I saw an opportunity to give back to a community that has given me a great deal of enjoyment. The Avalon Quartet will continue the outstanding quality of music education at NIU and I believe, will attract some of the best string players in the world.
Investing in NIU and in the success of these students is an investment that will reap huge dividends.
And, for me, investing in the arts is a way to support not only the students, but also the local community, which has been positively impacted by the music and theater programs at NIU.
The internationally renowned Avalon Quartet was appointed Artist Faculty String-Quartet-in-Residence in 2007.
I was inspired to give when I saw what other donors were doing, what a difference they were making.
I thought, “maybe I could be one of those people, too.”
Even thought I’m not an alumnus, I’ve been closely involved with NIU for many years.
When I heard that the Vermeer Quartet was retiring from NIU, I saw an opportunity to give back to a community that has given me a great deal of enjoyment. The Avalon Quartet will continue the outstanding quality of music education at NIU and I believe, will attract some of the best string players in the world.
Investing in NIU and in the success of these students is an investment that will reap huge dividends.
And, for me, investing in the arts is a way to support not only the students, but also the local community, which has been positively impacted by the music and theater programs at NIU.
The internationally renowned Avalon Quartet was appointed Artist Faculty String-Quartet-in-Residence in 2007.
Rich Ryan retired from his position as president and chief operating officer of Monsanto in 2001. He is a member of the NIU Foundation Board of Directors and active in the DeKalb community. His most recent gift to NIU was an endowed chair in violin for the School of Music. That gift allowed the university to attract the Avalon Quartet to succeed the retiring Vermeer. NIU could not have attracted a quartet of the Avalon’s caliber without his gift.