Induction into the Heritage Circle of
Gaynor J. “Chic” Ryan
Before Gaynor J. Ryan even came to St. John’s University he had an impressive vitae. He was hired by Texaco immediately after his graduation from St. John’s Preparatory High School and left his position when he was called to military service during the Korean War. After the war, he attended St. John’s at night, earning his B.B.A. from the College of Business Administration in 1957 and his J.D. from the School of Law in 1961. He then joined the Pepsi Cola Company, subsequently known as PepsiCo, and began a career that was to span four decades before he retired in 1996 as Corporate Counsel. During his years with PepsiCo he handled a variety of legal matters for Taco Bell, a stand-alone company under the corporate umbrella. In that capacity he was instrumental in establishing the Taco Bell Foundation, Inc. to help at-risk teens achieve success in school. Always committed to community service, he is a former Commander of an American Legion Post, Past President of the Whitestone Taxpayers Association and Past President of the Dwarf Giraffe Athletic League of Whitestone. He has demonstrated his loyal support of St. John’s as a longstanding member of The Loughlin Society. In 1995 a grateful University presented him with the Pietas Medal. Tonight, in celebration of his distinguished legal career, his dedication to community service and in recognition of the 50th anniversary of his graduation from St. John’s School of Law, St. John’s University is proud to induct Gaynor J. Ryan into the Heritage Circle.
May 20, 2011