Central Catholic High School to Induct Dr. Lawrence “Tim” T. Ryan, ’75, into the Central Catholic Alumni Hall of Fame
Central Catholic High School to Induct Dr. Lawrence “Tim” T. Ryan, ’75, into the Central Catholic Alumni Hall of Fame
PITTSBURGH -- Central Catholic High School is pleased to announce its 2025 Alumni Hall of Fame inductee, Dr. Lawrence “Tim” T. Ryan, ’75.
The Central Catholic Alumni Hall of Fame was established to recognize and honor alumni who exemplify the traditions and values of our school. Regardless of their profession, these men have been honored for their character, lives of service to others, and being men of integrity.
“Central Catholic is excited to welcome Dr. Ryan into the school’s Alumni Hall of Fame,” said Matthew Stoessel, ’95, President. “His journey from our hallways to global culinary excellence in the hospitality industry and beyond is a remarkable example of dedication, perseverance, and following one’s passion. As we induct Dr. Ryan into the school’s Alumni Hall of Fame, we honor his commitment to excellence and the enduring personal and professional legacy he has built. Dr. Ryan will continue to inspire future generations of Central Catholic students to take the foundational experience fostered at 4720 Fifth Avenue to make a difference in the world.”
Dr. Tim Ryan is currently serving as the Culinary Institute of America’s (CIA) first chancellor. Prior to his current role, Dr. Ryan was the longest-serving president of the CIA, holding that role for 23 years. Dr. Ryan graduated from CIA in 1977 and received Bachelor’s and Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees from the University of New Haven. He earned his doctorate degree in education from The University of Pennsylvania.
Dr. Ryan is well known throughout the hospitality world. He holds the distinction of being the youngest national president of the American Culinary Federation (ACF), elected at age 36, and the youngest chef to receive Master Chef Certification from the ACF, at age 26. In 1998, Dr. Ryan was named the ACF Chef of the Year. He has also served as ACF vice president, president, and chairman. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, is a Director of the National Restaurant Association, and is a board member of the Ment’or BKB Foundation.
Named “One of the 50 Most Powerful People in Food” four times by Nation’s Restaurant News, Dr. Ryan has received awards from virtually every food industry organization. He is especially proud of being one of five Americans ever to receive the Presidential Medal from the World Association of Chefs Societies and his induction into the James Beard Foundation’s Who’s Who of Food & Beverage in America.
Dr. Ryan was honored in 2019 as one of “The 50 Greatest Pittsburghers of All Time” by Pittsburgh Magazine, among world-renowned luminaries such as Jonas Salk, Andy Warhol, Fred Rogers, H.J. Heinz, Martha Graham, Roberto Clemente, Andrew Carnegie, and fellow Central Catholic alumnus; Dan Marino, ’79.
“My time at Central was life shaping and I am deeply honored by this recognition,” said Ryan. “I remember walking the halls as a student and seeing the pictures of our Hall of Fame members every day. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would one day join their ranks. I’m pretty sure that Jim Wheeler did not either. If he were still with us, I know that he would be proud, as my family and I are. I thank the committee and the school for this terrific honor.”
Dr. Ryan will be inducted into the Central Catholic High School Hall of Fame at this year’s 35th Annual Viking Victory Auction at The Westin Pittsburgh on May 3, 2025.
Stay tuned to www.CentralCatholicHS.com/VikingVictoryAuction for sponsorship and ticket information.
