Honorees-
Malachy Ryan and Michael Ryan

Few can take greater credit for building Long Island University than Malachy “Mal” Ryan and his brother, the late Michael Ryan. Combined, the Ryans spent 72 years literally building the Brooklyn and C.W. Post Campuses from the ground up. The family first became associated with the University when Michael (right) applied for a job as a carpenter at the Brooklyn Campus in 1952. He got the job and never left, rising to become director of buildings and grounds. During his 33-year career, he established and helped build the first classrooms, library and science lab facilities at C.W. Post; and guided the growth and maintenance of the mushrooming building complex at Brooklyn. He retired in 1985. As the second oldest of ten children growing up in Ireland, Michael did not have the opportunity to pursue a college degree. Profoundly affected by his years at the University, he came to realize the necessity of higher education. Thus, he was especially proud that he was able to provide each of his children with a professional education. Michael is survived by his wife, Bridget, and his children, Mary B’70, William P’72 and Kevin. It was at C.W. Post that William met his future wife, Jane P’74. The couple was married in the C.W. Post chapel in 1977.

After winning a Purple Heart in the Korean War, Mal Ryan (left) studied at the Delhanty School of Building Design under the GI Bill. In 1956, he was recruited by his brother to work at the newly acquired C.W. Post Campus, converting the Post mansion into classrooms. Soon after, President Conolly offered Mal a permanent position in Brookville. He too never left, rising to become director of buildings and grounds, retiring after 39 years at C.W. Post.

In addition to establishing the Department of Physical Plant, Mal represented Long Island University in insurance litigations and meetings with the Villages of Brookville and Westbury. Mal served on many student, administrative and community committees. His efforts were recognized by the student body with a special student council award. He and his wife, Kathleen, celebrated their 40th anniversary in October. The couple has five children and 11 grandchildren. Mal believes that C.W. Post “has grown far beyond the imaginations of those early pioneers, including myself.” That growth is in part owed to the Ryans whose vision and leadership helped plan and create the physical plants on two campuses during the period of their most rapid expansion. As Michael’s daughter Mary remarks, “It can truly be said that LIU had a powerful influence on the Ryans and in turn the Ryans had a powerful influence on the University.”

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