Richard O. Ryan
Growing up on a farm in downstate Illinois, Richard O. Ryan always had a passion for music. When the opportunity to study abroad arose, Rich chose Vienna due to its rich musical heritage. He was not disappointed. In addition to enjoying operas and symphonies, Rich made life-long friends and developed a self-confidence in his ability to deal with ambiguity – a skill that contributed to his success in the agribusiness industry working with both international and domestic business partners. Now retired as President and COO of DEKALB Genetics, Rich remains active in the world of music and opera at home and abroad. Thanks to Rich’s generosity, IES Abroad Vienna was able to finalize its state-of the-art-recording studio for students in our Music Program.
IES Abroad: Growing up on a farm and attending Quincy College, a small private college in downstate Illinois, what was your motivation to study abroad and how did you choose Vienna?
Rich Ryan: I learned of the possibility during the first semester of my junior year from a classmate. Even going to college was unusual for a farm boy in those days, but studying abroad was rare, indeed. But I liked the idea and was encouraged by friends and family. Vienna was only one of three IES Abroad locations overseas at the time, and it was an obvious choice because of its musical heritage, already known to me. The classmate who originally made me aware of IES was also accepted in the program and we both came to Vienna.
IES Abroad: What are some of your greatest memories from your time as a student in Vienna?
RR: There are so many memories! An important one was meeting my new IES classmates in New York City that February, 1963 and bonding together during our Atlantic crossing. Traveling through England, Belgium, France, Germany and finally to Vienna opened my eyes to a whole new world! On my arrival the first evening, and after meeting my assigned hausfrau and apartment, I enjoyed my first taste of the “new wine” at the famous Zwölf Apostelkeller. There were many other experiences I will never forget including classes with most engaging professors, walking from classroom to library to cafeteria spread about Vienna’s central district, and enjoying fun evenings with classmates in suburban Grinzing for “heuriger” wine tasting.
And then there were the weekend trips to such places as Budapest, Berlin, Graz, the Bodensee with classmates and of course, our exceptional Easter break tour in Italy. High on my “memory list” was seeing my first operas and symphony performances in Vienna. Because of my limited budget, it was almost always standing room (Stehplätze) but I saw and heard renowned performers and conductors (like Elizabeth Schwarzkopf and Herbert von Karajan). This first taste of operatic and symphonic music has carried on in my life to the fullest. But perhaps the best remaining memories involve my IES classmates as we explored a new life together in a new world. Many of us traveled back to Vienna for our 50th class reunion there in 2013. Yes, we have become lifelong friends.
IES Abroad: After graduating, you earned your MBA from the University of Chicago and then were appointed as an Officer in the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam. How did your time in Vienna impact your ability to navigate and manage your early career?
RR: My time in Vienna literally changed my life by opening my eyes to the world and providing me enhanced self-confidence in my ability to successfully deal with unknowns and manage in new environments. Learning that I could “compete” both in the classroom and socially with many talented IES classmates from large, well-known universities encouraged me to apply to the University of Chicago for a post-graduate degree and that led me to receiving a “direct commission” into the U.S. Army. My MBA from the University of Chicago was a great post-army “ticket” for career entry and career success.
IES Abroad: You also worked for meatpacking company, Armour & Co., as well as the Chicago Board of Trade before joining DEKALB Genetics, and you earned an additional graduate degree from Stanford University’s Food Research Institute as you were joining DEKALB. What inspired you to work in the agribusiness industry that ultimately led to your business success?
RR: Growing up on a farm, I felt comfortable in agribusiness with customers and business associates, both domestic and international. Now retired, I remain active on a non-profit organization involved with leadership training of promising younger agribusiness professionals.
IES Abroad: As you look back on your career in international agribusiness, what are you most proud of?
RR: Successful outcomes, due in part to good relationships with international associates, a result of understanding their culture. This was an added benefit from my early time in Austria and Europe. With that background, I am better able to mentor other young folks who are starting their careers in agribusiness or in other aspects of international work.
IES Abroad: Nearly 55 years after studying abroad and living in Vienna you remain an avid traveler and opera enthusiast. Tell us about your pursuits of these interests today.
RR: I remain active in the world of music and opera attending performances around the world, including the Salzburg Music Festival annually and performances in Vienna and Venice, in addition to the Lyric Opera in Chicago. I am also on the board of the Ryan Opera Center, the training ground for promising opera singers at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
IES Abroad: We are very grateful to you for your generous support that has enabled IES Abroad Vienna us to finalize our state-of-the-art recording studio in Vienna. What motivated you to make this significant gift?
RR: My desire to “give back” to IES Abroad following the exceptional benefit to my life from my Vienna experience in 1963—and my appreciation of the important role that the Music Program now plays in the program under the direction of Dr. Morten Solvik.
IES Abroad: What is one thing you learned while abroad that remains a constant in your life today?
RR: I learned that the world is a much bigger place than where I grew up, and knowing and exploring this world offers greater and greater benefits.
Watch Rich play "Wien, Wien, nur du allein" on the piano that he and his fellow classmates donated to IES Abroad Vienna at the opening of the new Music Practice Facility on September 1, 2014.