Capitol Thanks Professors Ryan, Vergers

They've been an integral part of the Capitol story as the school grew from a technical institute into a full-fledged university. Now, after close to five decades of service to the academic community, two revered professors have announced their retirements.

John M. Ryan and Charles A. Vergers have decided to step down from full-time teaching following the spring semester. Both professors will continue in an adjunct role.

They were honored at a faculty and staff Town Hall held on April 22, with Capitol's president, Dr. Michael T. Wood, praising them for exemplifying the university's values.

"They represent the kind of dedication and excellence that we all strive for," Wood said, adding that they passed along the same ethic to those that they teach.  "Our students work their hearts out for these guys."

Ryan and Vergers both began their Capitol careers as students, earning bachelor of science degrees before being tapped to run labs and later teach courses. Ryan was instrumental in Capitol's 1969 move to Kensington, MD, helping to transport the institution's equiipment, books and material from the previous location in Washington, DC.

He says he strives to see things from a student's point of view, in order to assess the most effective way to get the curriculum across.

"One of my philosophies of teaching...has been to approach it from the standpoint of how I would want to be taught this particular subject. What would I want to hear? How would this best be explained?" Ryan said in a 2002 interview.

Vergers has authored books on electircal noise and network synthesis but is proudest of his vocation as a professor and mentor.

"I have put a lot of work into lectures," Vergers said in 2002. "I have always tried to give the students a good lecture...I think that is one of my best accomplishments."

In addition to his faculty duties, he is known for his role in the annual Commencement ceremony. He has played organ music for the processional and recessional nearly every year since 1983, and has also provided music for Alpha Chi inductions.

Photos: John Ryan (top), Charles Vergers.