Executive's generosity after 9/11 attack lauded
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PROVO, Utah — Speaking Nov. 8 to business leaders gathered for the presentation of the BYU Marriott School of Management International Executive of the Year Award, President James E. Faust lauded the chairman and CEO of Aon Corporation not only "for what you have accomplished, but even more for what you are."
Patrick G. Ryan received the award, established by the BYU Marriott School in 1974 to annually honor an outstanding executive from the public or private sector who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and high moral character.
Headquartered in Chicago, Aon is a global insurance and risk management services corporation employing more than 50,000 people in 125 countries. Some 1,300 employees were working in the World Trade Center at the time of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks; 176 lost their lives .
President Faust, second counselor in the First Presidency, praised Mr. Ryan for his response to 9/11, after which he continued to provide health insurance to victims' families and set up a $10 million education fund that can be used for their dependents.
"What I have learned about our honoree, his wife and family, and their accomplishments is most impressive," said President Faust. "What endears them to me, however, more than anything is their generous caring hearts and outreach."
After Sept. 11, Mr. Ryan, "wept with the families of slain employees," said President Faust.
"It was reported in the press that Mr. Ryan said, 'People need hugging and I became a world-class hugger.' The emotion motivated him for action. He did so many kind and gracious personal acts that the New York Times called his efforts the most generous assistance that any impacted company provided its surviving families."
In brief remarks, Mr. Ryan said his company "responded because they were our people. There was no question about how we should react. We had to reach out to the people. We had to communicate with them. We had to give them as much comfort as possible."
There are times, he said, that one must "do the right thing because it is the right thing to do." He then added, "I see that throughout the culture here."
Praising BYU and the Marriott School, Mr. Ryan said that the values BYU business students learn are what make them so well accepted. He expressed gratitude for the award and the opportunity to visit the BYU campus and talk to students.
"I had no idea of what the feeling would be like to be with people of such great faith and commitment and who live the spirit and teachings of Jesus Christ. It has just been exhilarating to be with you. . . ," he said. "I only regret that I didn't have a lot of job application forms with me."
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