The Community Trust Foundation honors the remarkable legacy of Delvin Richard (Dick) Ryan, Jr., who passed away on December 27, 2024, by continuing the work he began through the Dick Ryan Scholarship Fund. Created in 2011, this scholarship reflects Dick’s enduring commitment to his hometown of Frostburg, Maryland, and his passion for education.
Born in Eckhart Mines in 1939 and raised in Clarysville, Dick often shared memories of a modest but meaningful upbringing. “We had no money,” he once recounted, “but Mom made higher education a top priority.” Despite early challenges and discouragement from school advisors, Dick’s drive and determination led him to a scholarship at Johns Hopkins University, where he studied electrical engineering and played football. He later earned an MBA from the University of Chicago and went on to lead a distinguished career across the engineering and housewares industries.
Dick never forgot the opportunities that scholarship provided him, and he believed deeply in giving back. “None of that would have been possible without that first scholarship,” he said. “But the universities I attended do not need help nearly as much as bright kids from modest backgrounds do.” Inspired to lift up the next generation, he established the Dick Ryan Scholarship Fund through the Community Trust Foundation to benefit students graduating from Mountain Ridge High School—his alma mater’s successor—with a focus on those pursuing engineering or mathematics.
Each year, the scholarship provides $3,000 annually for up to four years, supporting one deserving student with a total possible award of $12,000. Over the last 15 years, 15 students have received a combined total of $180,000—a testament to the impact of Dick’s vision.
Jarrett Pennington, the 2021 recipient of the Dick Ryan Scholarship, shared:
“Being awarded the scholarship not only helped the financial burden of pursuing my Mechanical Engineering degree through the University of Maryland’s collaborative program at Frostburg State, but it also reminded me that people in our community truly care about supporting students’ futures. It gave me both encouragement and a sense of responsibility to work hard and make the most of the opportunities I was given.”
Through his scholarship fund, Dick Ryan’s legacy lives on—inspiring students, changing lives, and reminding us all that belief in a young person’s potential can echo across generations. His story is not only one of success, but of service, humility, and a deep-rooted belief in the power of education to transform lives.
The Community Trust Foundation is proud to continue administering the Dick Ryan Scholarship Fund, ensuring that his wishes are fulfilled and that his values endure.
Community Trust Foundation (CTF) is your local community foundation created with gifts from generous people committed to local causes. Through the support of its donors, the Foundation grants to local nonprofit organizations working to build a stronger community in the areas of Arts & Historical Preservation, Health & Wellness, Vibrant Communities & Thriving Environment, and Education & Youth Leadership. Connecting philanthropy with community good in Allegany, Garrett, and Mineral Counties.