Former IU President John Ryan dies

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) -  Indiana University says former IU President John W. Ryan has died.

Current President, Michael McRobbie issued a statement saying that 81 year old John Ryan died early Saturday with his family at his side. IU President Michael McRobbie called Ryan a "visionary leader" who helped raise hundreds of millions of dollars for IU after he retired in 1987, following his 16 year tenure.

 For more than half a century, John Ryan played a pivotal role in the growth and development of Indiana University. During his 16 years as president, he oversaw the establishment of regional campuses in Richmond and New Albany, and the creation of a number of new schools and cultural centers on the Bloomington campus.

He was instrumental in formalizing IU's Office for International Affairs and under his leadership the university forged important relationships in Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe.     

Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels called John Ryan a "great citizen" whose "love and leadership of IU never ended.