Former WPI interim president Philip B. Ryan ’65, Hon. ’18 will receive the Phi Kappa Theta 2022 Man of Achievement award at a special event on Saturday, October 1 during Homecoming Weekend. The event is open to all members of the WPI community. Established by the Phi Kappa
Theta National Foundation, the award recognizes brothers who have risen to prominence in their fields of endeavor and whose accomplishments inspire members to achieve their own goals. Ryan is receiving the award for his decades of professional experience as a seasoned Senior Executive and Corporate Advisor. Ryan has led organizations through periods of significant transformation and profitable growth as CEO and President. He has founded and co-founded corporate advisory firms, led client engagements for more than two decades, and has served as a member of the Board of Directors, Trustees, and Advisors for numerous public, private and not-for-profit organizations. Most notably, Ryan served as chairman of the board and interim president of WPI.
Fellow classmate and longtime Phi Kappa Theta National Foundation Trustee Jerry Morris ‘65 nominated Ryan for the Man of Achievement award sharing that Ryan “clearly exhibited prominence in his life's work and accomplishments and no doubt has served as an inspiration for all of us who knew him.” Morris adds, “It is thus with great pleasure and without reservation that I feel especially honored to know Phil and look forward to attending his presentation of this well-deserved and prestigious award.”
National Fraternity President Matthew Runkle ’11 shares the gravity of earning this award, saying, “The Man of Achievement award is the highest honor we bestow upon our members as it recognizes the significant professional and personal accomplishments of the recipient. In my position with the Fraternity, I've been fortunate to meet several Man of Achievement recipients. Each has been successful in their careers and generous with their time, talent, and treasure; but all first pointed to those around them as the reason for their success. It's that humble wish to serve those around them first - to Give, Expecting Nothing Thereof - that really defines a Man of Achievement.” Notable past recipients of the Phi Kappa Theta Man of Achievement Award include Bausch & Lomb CEO Ronald Zarrella ‘71, and Dean William R. Grogan ‘46.
When asked to speak about Ryan earning the highly-coveted Man of Achievement Award, fellow brother Nicholas Pelletier BS '09 MS '10 MBA '15’ shared, “I respect Phil's ability to achieve great accomplishment while remaining humble and approachable. Phil is truly genuine and approaches each conversation I have had with him from a place of curiosity. I truly appreciate Phil's ability to find collaborative and creative ways to solve problems. I will always remember and respect the time he dedicated to serve as interim President of WPI when others would have said no... he truly went above and beyond."
“I can't think of a more deserving alumnus than Phil Ryan as Phi Kappa Theta Man of Achievement. Phil has inspired decades of Phi Kappa Theta brothers at WPI and remains one of the most well-known KAP alumni.”
Matthew Runkle ‘11
Advanced registration is required for the presentation event. To register and to learn more about Homecoming 2022, click here.