*
It was more than fifty
years ago during my student days in American College (1960-1963) that I came to
know of Charles Ryerson. My association with him grew after I joined the
faculty of American College as a Tutor in Mathematics in 1965 but it was through
late prof. J.C.B. Abraham, a dear friend of mine, the relationship blossomed
into deep friendship.
A gregarious and an outgoing person, Charles Ryerson,
affectionately called Charlie, had a love affair with the College. A member of
The American College Endowment Fund since 1974 and its vice-president and
president for several years, Charlie was very influential yet deferential to
the local administrative arm of the College. With a natural gift for engaging
conversation, he enjoyed interaction with College faculty, staff and students.
An “Honorary Tamil,” Charlie had a deep understanding of and great appreciation
for Tamil society, religion, and culture. Not surprisingly, Charlie relished
visiting Tamilnadu, especially Madurai, and whenever he visited the College, he
lit the campus with the warmth of his smile and boundless energy.
In his death,
the College has lost a true friend and a great champion. His family’s request
that any gifts to his memory be made to The American College Endowment Fund is
an extraordinary testimony to his love for the College.
I will miss him dearly.
wow ... this is something ... His family’s request that any gifts to his memory be made to The American College Endowment Fund is an extraordinary testimony to his love for the College.
ReplyDeleteInformation regarding the family's request is touching. We, as a community, are grateful to them for such gesture-cum-illustration.
ReplyDeleteI would urge the formation of a committee to receive the articles (books, periodicals, pictures,manuscript and funds, if any, and create a "chair" in the college to supervise the safety of items and to put them in proper use to perpetuate the memory of Charlie. This web site can initiate action. Sitting in Thane, Mumbai I would like to suggest that it to be under the wing of SCILET if they would take it in the interest of the proper use. VS
ReplyDeleteI was a student of commerce during 1965-68. Still cherish the memory of Mr Ryerson along with M/s Presler and Eric Olson. It was nice to learn more about you sir, Lieut.
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