UNMC’s Wayne Ryan, Ph.D., a philanthropist, scientist and what one colleague called “an accomplished, innovative and generous man,” died Nov. 3 at the age of 90.
Services set
There will be a mass of Christian burial today at 10:30 a.m. at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, 15353 Pacific St, Omaha.
Dr. Ryan, the former CEO and founder of Streck Labs, was a biochemistry and research professor emeritus of obstetrics and gynecology in the UNMC College of Medicine.
According to the website of the Ryan Foundation, founded by Dr. Ryan and his wife Eileen, Dr. Ryan “advanced hematology and molecular diagnostics with his products, which in turn play a key role in accurately and cost effectively diagnosing and treating disease globally.” The website says he holds 63 patents.
“Dr. Ryan was an exceptional man both as a scientist and a philanthropist,” said UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D. “Through both his groundbreaking work and his charitable giving, he has impacted not only UNMC and the state of Nebraska, but the world.”
An accomplished researcher, Dr. Ryan’s experiments were even taken into space by the National Aviation and Space Administration (NASA), said John Niemann, Ed.D., senior vice president, University of Nebraska Foundation.
“Dr. Ryan was a pioneer both in science, and in the concept of putting university inventions to commercial use,” said James Linder, M.D., chief strategist, University of Nebraska, and president, University Technology Development Corporation. “His discoveries have benefited laboratory medicine around the world. He will be missed, but we have all learned from him as a role model.”
Read the Omaha World-Herald obituary on Dr. Ryan.
“Wayne loved scientific research,” said James McClurg, Ph.D., University of Nebraska regent and a former student of Dr. Ryan. “Much of his work centered around his interests in protein biochemistry. He was a great adviser and counsel to many students and post docs over the years. His interests were broad and he made many discoveries in the basic sciences, product development and constant improvement of the Streck product portfolio. . . . At the same time, he never lessened his interests in basic science research and in collaboration with fellow faculty colleagues. Wayne made a big impact on the careers of many scientists and students, and all are grateful for having had Wayne in our lives and careers.”
UNMC Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Chair Carl Smith, M.D., called Dr. Ryan a superb scientist, a generous philanthropist and a consummate gentleman.
“His work was translated into procedures and technology that positively affected the lives of many,” he said. “His presence will be greatly missed.”
In 2013, Dr. Ryan provided the gift that enabled UNMC to open the state-of-the-art Dr. Wayne and Eileen Ryan Surgical Simulation Suite. He also made a significant donation to create the Precision Medicine Fund at the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center.
“He was the most modest powerhouse you’ve ever seen,” said Dr. Niemann. “He was a scientific giant . . . so talented.”
James Armitage, M.D., professor of internal medicine-oncology/hematology and a former student of Dr. Ryan’s, noted how he used his biochemistry skills to build an internationally competitive company that developed lab tests that helped advance the care of patients.
“He was very successful and was a real friend of the university throughout his career,” Dr. Armitage said.
“He had all those qualities that define a scientist, teacher and colleague — kindness, work ethic, entirely motivated by curiosity, and always looking at how something could be done better,” said Olson Center for Women’s Health Director Rick Blum, a longtime colleague and friend. “Supremely interested in the betterment of science and of his fellow man. I am glad to have known him, and his loss will be keenly felt by UNMC, and science, for many years.”
great father also!