Giving Back: An Interview with John Ryan

John and Pauline Ryan are two stalwarts of The American Ireland Fund on the West Coast. They are wonderful and generous philanthropists who support a series of educational and youth-related projects across Ireland, particularly in John’s native Tipperary. Recently they made a substantial gift to help the implementation of the Fund’s Development Plan. John represents the essence of The American Ireland Fund, an Irishman who has prospered in America and is extending the great American tradition of philanthropy to help the old country.

John and Pauline were the honorees at the 2008 San Francisco dinner in recognition of their great generosity. We had the pleasure of interviewing John about their support of The American Ireland Fund.

Q: Ireland has changed dramatically in the last number of years, making need a little less visible to some. What prompts your giving to Ireland?

A: My giving to projects in Ireland has nothing to do with need. In times of plenty and great wealth, need persists. This is the case in the U.S., Ireland and anywhere else you care to look.

Ireland gave me my start and my education. My philanthropy is prompted by a wish to give back and a desire to see Ireland reach her full potential. It is all about giving people the same chance I received and bringing out the best in my homeland and the country I love.

Q: Much of your giving is focused on both youth related and educational projects. Why are they priorities for you?

A: Much of our giving has been to elementary schools, high schools and universities and, in particular, to provide access and scholarships to those institutions for kids who could not otherwise afford it.
Despite the fact that education is nominally free in Ireland, for poor families there is an opportunity cost of putting their children through the educational system as they cannot work full-time. We get tremendous satisfaction in hearing from students and parents about how they progressed thanks to our support.

Q: What is your reason for supporting arts-based projects?

A: I have been a Beethoven lover all my life and I consider John O’Conor of The Royal Irish Academy of Music to be one of the greatest exponents of his music, particularly the concerti. However it is more difficult for him to achieve a world-wide audience from the platform of Ireland. We wanted to help achieve this. Interestingly, there is a direct connection between John and Beethoven in that his piano master, Wilhelm Kemp is connected through a series of teachers over 200 years back to Beethoven himself.

Q: You recently made a major investment in the infrastructure of The American Ireland Fund to enable it to grow and develop. What are your aspirations for the Fund?

A: The Ireland Funds have been the major focal point for the Irish Diaspora to come together, re-connect with their heritage and support good work at home. I am very proud of this and, particularly, the work that’s been done in supporting the Peace Process. Our gift is designed to help build on that heritage and equip the Fund to move into the future. I am convinced the best is still yet to come!

Q: Philanthropists are those who make the transition from success to significance. How have you enjoyed that journey, and what does it mean to you to be a philanthropist?

A: Being a philanthropist is based on the realization that when you have reached a certain level of wealth, you can achieve so much for society by applying that wealth. It is also important to set an example for your kids and hope that, if they get the opportunity, they too would help others. However, it is not an entirely selfless act. We get great joy and satisfaction learning of the lives upon which we have had a great impact and how it has helped people reach their full potential.