Ryan was a consummate professional who was committed to the university’s mission.

Karin Ryan, a longtime staff member in the Office of the Senior Vice President for University Advancement, died on Dec. 19 after an extended illness. She was 54.

Ryan came to USC in 1993 as executive assistant to the senior vice president for university advancement and quickly became an integral member of the central development team. A consummate professional who was wholeheartedly committed to the university’s mission, she served the office and the entire USC fund-raising effort with skill and dedication.

After being promoted to the position of special assistant to the senior vice president for university advancement in 2004, Ryan assumed direct responsibility for a variety of fund-raising activities. Serving as the office’s “utility infielder,” she acted as interim director of the USC Annual Fund and also oversaw the Parents Program and International Development.

In his eulogy at Ryan’s memorial service on Jan. 11, Senior Vice President Alan Kreditor praised her for her contributions to the university’s advancement enterprise and for her high levels of proficiency, professionalism and judgment.

On a personal note, he added, “Karin taught us how to lead a moral life and what wonderful things happen when industriousness is combined with grace and dignity. She also taught us about courage in the face of a painful and unfair death. Now, thankfully, the pain is gone even if the unfairness remains.”

Ryan is survived by her husband of 30 years, Ken, and by her son, Jarlath (’00, MD ’04).

Memorial contributions may be made to the USC Lung Cancer Research Fund in Memory of Karin Ryan at the USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, supporting the work of Ryan’s physician, Barbara Gitlitz.