Friday, June 19, 2020
Dr. Ryan was my professor and academic advisor when I was a student at WCSU (Class of 2015), and I am so unbelievably blessed to have known him. Some people come into your life at the best possible time and are a beacon of light to help guide you – and Dr. Ryan was that to me.
I will always remember being in his first semester writing seminar, where he took us on a tour of Midtown Campus. He showed us the student newspaper and that simple encounter inspired me to pursue a new avenue of my writing.
Even today, I can picture sitting across from him during our advisor meetings and feeling so at ease knowing I had the biggest cheerleader in my corner who always looked out for my best interest.
I cannot thank Dr. Ryan enough for the positive impact he had on my life. His unwavering support, guidance, and kindness meant the world to me and helped lead me on the path I am today. I am grateful to have known him and my heart is broken knowing the world is without him.
When I was reading his obituary, I could not get the song “For Good” from Wicked out of my head. I haven’t heard that song in years and, yet, it played over and over in my mind. The lyrics “Because I knew you / I have been changed for good,” and that rings true for how I am left feeling having known Dr. Ryan.
I’m sending my prayers for strength, peace, and healing to Dr. Ryan’s loved ones and wish I could be there in person to tell them what a wonderful man he was.
With gratitude,
Alissa Silber
167 Wakelee Avenue