William G. and Mary A. Ryan: Center for Heart & Vascular Medicine

A generous gift of $5 million from William G. and Mary A. Ryan, of Hinsdale, to support Loyola University Health System's top-rated cardiovascular program reflects the couples belief in supporting excellence at Loyola.

William Ryan is a grateful patient of David Wilber, MD, the George M. Eisenberg professor of cardiovascular sciences, and director of the division of cardiology and the Cardiovascular Institute. "We have been impressed with the quality of care and the devotion of the medical staff and wanted to contribute to the outstanding program," says Ryan. A portion of the gift will fund a new imaging and robotic guidance system that will be used for complex cardiac interventions to treat conditions ranging from arrhythmias to heart failure to coronary artery disease.

Another portion of the pledge is being used toward the general construction of the center expansion. In recognition of the 2007 gift, the center has been named the William G. and Mary A. Ryan Center for Heart and Vascular Medicine. "The gift from Mr. and Mrs. Ryan will be used for improving our physical facilities and expanding our therapeutic options for a broad spectrum of cardiac problems including atrial fibrillation," says Wilber. The Ryans feel strongly about contributing toward the success of Loyola. "There is no way in the world that hospitals could expand and continue to give patients the very best care without philanthropic giving," says Mrs. Ryan.

Adds Mr. Ryan, "We are strongly supportive of the Center for Heart and Vascular Medicine expansion, and pleased with the way Loyola has built the heart and vascular program. We know that Loyola will continue providing superior heart and vascular care for all patients."