Saint Viator High School Announces Transformational Tuition Assistance Gift From Jim ’76 and Michelle Asby ’77 Ryan

In addition to funding the scholarship, the Ryans have pledged to match donations from other benefactors, up to $200,000, to expand the program and support more students in need. Their commitment aims to make Catholic education accessible to as many deserving students as possible.

Jim and Michelle met as students at Saint Viator and Sacred Heart of Mary. They married shortly after college and have two sons, Jim and Matt.

Jim earned a business degree from Miami University (Ohio) and an MBA from DePaul University. He spent his entire career at W.W. Grainger, Inc., serving as chairman and CEO from 2008 to 2017. He has been a member of DePaul University's board of trustees since 2007, serving as chairman from 2017 to 2021. He is also a trustee of The Grainger Foundation, an investor in growth businesses, and an advisor to venture capital and private equity firms.

Michelle graduated from Ball State University in 1981 with a double major in elementary education and special education. She built a career as a merchandiser at Marshall Fields and Federated Department Stores and worked in human resources at Baxter Healthcare. She currently serves on the Foundation Board at Ball State University and is actively involved with The Chicago Jesuit Academy in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood. She volunteers, has served as a member of the Board of Trustees, and is a current member of the governance, mission, and identity committee. Additionally, Michelle works with the children of the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. She focuses on the health, welfare, and education of children in the local school. 

The Ryans’ philanthropy focuses on expanding access to quality education and job training for students from underserved communities. Over the past 12 years, they have helped 150 students from disadvantaged communities get into college and graduate debt-free through Miami, Ball State, and DePaul Universities. Students receive full tuition, internships, social support, academic advising, and mentorship. Ryan Scholars are persisting at a 94% graduation rate compared to the national rate of 50% for all other Federal Pell Grant-eligible students. They also sponsor a scholarship program at The Chicago Jesuit Academy. 

Saint Viator High School is grateful for the Ryans’ dedication to expanding educational opportunities for students in need. To contribute to the President’s Society Scholarship Program and help provide a Catholic education to students facing financial hardship, please click here to donate now.