The founder of a Poulsbo-based construction company and his wife have donated $1 million to Olympic College, the school announced Wednesday.
The funds from Tim and Bev Ryan, of Tim Ryan Construction, will be used to purchase cutting-edge equipment and upgrade facilities across the college’s health care programs, including the expansion project and remodel at its Poulsbo Campus. In recognition of his philanthropy, Olympic has agreed to name its sonography lab the Tim Ryan Family Diagnostic Medical Sonography Lab.
Ryan, whose mother was a nurse, previously donated $100,000 to Olympic College in 2015 for a nursing scholarship. He has also funded beds and other equipment for the students. In a statement he said there is a clear and urgent need for more health care workers in Kitsap.
“I am proud to support these efforts at Olympic College,” he said. “My hope is that this gift inspires the generosity of others, helping to build a healthier, stronger Kitsap.”
Olympic College Interim President Joan Hanten, left, with Tim Ryan and OC Foundation Executive Director Kimberly Cizek Allen.
The donation comes as OC is the middle a two-phased expansions of its health care offerings. The first phase of includes five new academic programs and a remodel OC’s Poulsbo campus to support radiologic technology, surgical technologist and diagnostic medical sonography programs.
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The college also launched a phlebotomy program and a pathway for Navy corpsmen and Air Force medics to become practical nurses, which it says is the first program of its kind in Washington to award college credit for prior military experience.
Phase one is expected to be completed in October. A second phase plans to add dental, EMT, paramedic and respiratory therapy programs.
The Olympic College’s Poulsbo campus.
Interim Olympic College President Joan Hanten praised Ryan’s donation, saying it is an example of what can be accomplished when private industry and the public sector collaborate.
“We are forever grateful to the Ryan family for their generosity,” she said.
Ryan launched his construction company in Kirkland in 1957 before moving to Kingston in the early 1970s and building the Poulsbo Village Shopping Center along Highway 305, according to a company history. Ryan remains CEO, with his sons, Dan and Kevin, serving as president and vice president, respectively.
This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: Olympic College health programs expanding with $1 million donation