It was more than fifty years ago during my student days in American College (1960-1963) that I came to know of Charles Ryerson. My association with him grew after I joined the faculty of American College as a Tutor in Mathematics in 1965 but it was through late prof. J.C.B. Abraham, a dear friend of mine, the relationship blossomed into deep friendship. A gregarious and an outgoing person, Charles Ryerson, affectionately called Charlie, had a love affair with the College. A member of The American College Endowment Fund since 1974 and its vice-president and president for several years, Charlie was very influential yet deferential to the local administrative arm of the College. With a natural gift for engaging conversation, he enjoyed interaction with College faculty, staff and students. An “Honorary Tamil,” Charlie had a deep understanding of and great appreciation for Tamil society, religion, and culture. Not surprisingly, Charlie relished visiting Tamilnadu, especially Madurai, and whenever he visited the College, he lit the campus with the warmth of his smile and boundless energy. In his death, the College has lost a true friend and a great champion. His family’s request that any gifts to his memory be made to The American College Endowment Fund is an extraordinary testimony to his love for the College. I will miss him dearly.
October 2016