On January 9, 2008, the ICCD Board of Directors presented their third Edward F. Cox Community College Development Award to former SUNY Chancellor John R. Ryan. During his tenure as Chancellor, Ryan consistently called community colleges "the stars of the system," and helped obtain one of the largest funding increases in their history. 

ICCD's Board of Directors' Vice Chair, R. Thomas Flynn,
President, Monroe Community College, (left), presents
the board's  Edward F. Cox Award for Community College Development to former SUNY Chancellor John R. Ryan

Edward Cox, for whom the award is named, had this to say about Ryan's leadership:

"John Ryan is an extraordinary American and patriot who lives to the fullest extent possible the ideals which make America great. He dedicated his all to the defense of our country in a distinguished military career, and in "retirement" to the education of America's youth in an equally distinguished career in higher education. A natural leader with talents seen in only a few, his modesty, efficiency and uncomplicated dedication to the greater cause draws the very best from all he encounters.

John Ryan is in the ranks of the greatest leaders because he lifts others to do great things. In a short period of time he set the largest institution of higher education in the world on a course from which untold numbers of future Americans will benefit. Only a few of us will remember where the credit is due, but John Ryan's legacy--those future Americans--will grow with each passing year."