Dr. Walter G. Ryba, Dean of the School of Business at Fairfield University, dies at 59 | Press Releases

Dr. Walter G. Ryba, dean of the School of Business, died suddenly last evening of a heart attack. He was 59. Appointed acting dean in 1997 and then dean in 1998, Dr. Ryba had overseen major advances in the School of Business, including the school's final approval of accreditation by the AACSB-International Association for Management of Education and its move to the former Conference Center on campus which was completely renovated to accommodate the school's expanding programs.

Under his leadership, Fairfield University added concentrations to the MBA in e-Business and Health Care Management, introduced a master's in Management of Technology, offered jointly with the School of Engineering, and joined a consortium of Jesuit universities offering an MBA program at Peking University in China. He opened sites for MBA courses in Greenwich and Stamford and this summer announced jointly with America's Community Bankers, the addition of the Executive MBA in Community Banking, the first of its kind in the country.

Dr. Orin Grossman, academic vice president, said Dr. Ryba will be greatly missed. "He was a pleasure to work with. Walt Ryba was honest, straight-forward and always used good judgment. His contributions to Fairfield University, and particularly the School of Business, will have a lasting impact."

Dr. Ryba specialized in business law and regulation and strategic planning for regulation and new businesses. His work focused on antitrust, regulated environments, and international regulation. His research appeared in The Journal of Legal Studies Education, regional business law reviews, and international proceedings.

He was a member of the American Bar Association, the Connecticut Bar Association, the Bar Association Section on Antitrust, and the American Economics Association.

A graduate of Dartmouth College with a master's degree in economics from Trinity College and a J.D. from the University of Connecticut, Dr. Ryba joined the Fairfield University faculty in 1982. He was a professor of law and management when he was named associate dean, a position he held for four years.

He resided in Ridgefield with his wife Geraldine.

Funeral arrangements are private. A memorial service will be held in the Egan Chapel of St. Ignatius Loyola on the Fairfield University campus in early September.