Arthur Ryan, President and CEO of Prudential Financial

Arthur Ryan, a graduate of Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School in Brooklyn, recently decided to financially support his alma mater with a generous gift of $1 million, allowing him to give back to the community that was so influential in shaping him into the successful corporate leader he is today.

Mr. Ryan’s support of Catholic education began when he was a Loughlin student and a member of the LaSalle club. It continues today with the generous commitment he and his wife made to Loughlin in the area of technology. Mr. Ryan decided to support Catholic education with this generous gift to Loughlin not only because it provides a good education, but it continues to build good character and Christian values in the current student population. This same education has been, and continues to be, a vital part of who he is today. Bishop Loughlin has been very influential in helping many people succeed in life, and Art Ryan wanted to help those who helped him succeed.

“Looking at the student body of today, it is full of young men and women who are striving to make their lives better and willing to go the 'extra mile' to do it; that’s worth anyone’s support.”

“Each person must make decisions about whom or what had an influence in their lives. An overwhelming majority of alums would have to say that Bishop Loughlin played an important part in his/her development. Looking at the student body of today, it is full of young men and women who are striving to make their lives better and willing to go the “extra mile” to do it; that’s worth anyone’s support.” Arthur and Patricia encourage everyone to come visit Loughlin and its students and teachers; it is clear the school is cause worthy of support.

The Ryan’s philanthropic support does not stop at Loughlin. Over the last decade, they have worked alongside other city leaders to help rebuild the City of Newark, NJ. They also support the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, several elementary schools in the Newark area, New Jersey Park Center, Warinanco Park (designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, by the way), and the Newark Museum. They are very proud to participate in Global Volunteer Day (along with other Prudential employees, family members and friends) with its projects across seven countries and throughout the United States. The Spirit of Community Awards is another organization they are also very involved as it recognizes young people in middle and high schools who give back to their communities through volunteer work. Even though most of their philanthropic work is based in Newark, we are grateful that Mr. and Mrs. Ryan have kept Loughlin in their hearts.

Art Ryan’s Loughlin experience was very positive. One thing he distinctly remembers is traveling to Loughlin. He had the luxury of making the daily one and a half hour train ride to Loughlin from his home in Long Island. He had originally wanted to attend a local high school, but his father, who was a great influence in his life, told him he was going to Bishop Loughlin and go he did. His father assured him that although he might miss some of his friends he would make new ones, and stressed that the quality of his educational experience was the most important concern. As a result, Mr. Ryan attended Bishop Loughlin on scholarship as did all the students of his day.

Bishop Loughlin taught him the importance of learning how to learn. “The way the subjects were taught, inculcated an interest, desire, and a willingness to learn.” Mr. Ryan still reads a great deal, finding comfort in the solitude of a good book, he understands and incorporates lessons from his reading into his own life, and appreciates the importance of being a lifelong learner.

“The way the subjects were taught, inculcated an interest, desire, and a willingness to learn.”

One of his fondest memories was the excitement around the track team. During his time at Loughlin and still today, track was the principal sport. Although not a member of the track team, Art Ryan regularly attended track meets at Madison Square Garden and the Armory. This was a wonderful experience and gave him the opportunity to navigate New York City at a young age and the opportunity to encounter people from all different backgrounds.

After graduating from Loughlin, he received a degree in mathematics from Providence College, before entering the Army where he was stationed in Washington DC as a Lieutenant. Mr. Ryan did what people rarely do in the business world anymore. He worked himself from the bottom to the top of the career ladder. He furthered his education at American University taking computer courses and began his corporate career as a computer programmer in 1965. Mr. Ryan began working at Chase Manhattan Bank in 1972. During his twenty-two years at Chase he held various positions and eventually progressed to become Vice Chairman and the President, and finally CEO in 1990. In 1994 he became CEO of Prudential Life Insurance and later was named President and CEO of Prudential Financial where he serves today.

Throughout his career, two lessons were very important. First, always do the right thing. In life there are many shortcuts and opportunities to do the wrong thing. Art Ryan felt it was always easier to deal with the consequences of doing the right thing than to take shortcuts. The other lesson was respect for people. Good people skills and respect for others carried him a long way in his life and career. These lessons are obviously a large part of why Arthur Ryan is the success he is today.