Tim and Bev Ryan, founders of Tim Ryan Construction Inc. in Poulsbo, recently donated $1 million to Olympic College in efforts to enhance healthcare education in the region.
The funds will be used to purchase cutting-edge equipment and upgrade existing facilities across all healthcare programs, including the expansion project and remodel at the Poulsbo campus. In recognition of their donation, the college will dedicate the sonography lab in their name as the Tim Ryan Family Diagnostic Medical Sonography Lab, per a news release.
“There is a clear and urgent need for skilled healthcare workers in our community, and I am proud to support these efforts at Olympic College,” Tim Ryan said. “My hope is that this gift inspires the generosity of others, helping to build a healthier, stronger Kitsap.”
In 2024, OC announced an ambitious plan to expand access to healthcare programs at its Bremerton and Poulsbo campuses. Phase 1 called for the creation of five new academic programs and a remodel of the Poulsbo campus to create space for Radiologic Technology, Surgical Technologist and Diagnostic Medical Sonography programs. Under phase 1, the college also launched a Phlebotomy program and a pathway for Navy Corpsmen and Air Force Medics to become Practical Nurses – the first program of its kind in Washington to award college credit for prior military experience, per the release.
OC will celebrate the completion of phase 1 at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Poulsbo campus in October.
“The community support for this project has been phenomenal,” said interim OC president Joan Hanten. “This donation is an example of what can be accomplished when private industry and public service work together to meet community needs. We are forever grateful to the Ryan family for their generosity.”
Other project partners include the Kitsap County Commissioners, who contributed $6 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding, and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, which provided $2.5 million. The state legislature also allocated $100,000 in annual funding to support faculty salaries for healthcare programs.
With phase 1 nearing completion, OC is looking ahead to phase 2 of the expansion, which would pave the way for program proposals in Dental Assisting, Dental Hygiene, Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic and Respiratory Therapy. These programs would be housed in an 80,000-square-foot multi-use facility at the Poulsbo campus.
In 2015, the Ryan family donated $100,000 to the OC Foundation to establish an annual scholarship for nursing students. From 2004 to 2006, the family funded the purchase of cutting-edge hospital beds that mirror those used in healthcare facilities. They also funded ‘Metiman,’ the program’s first robotic patient simulator, to enhance clinical training, the release states.
OC Dean of Nursing & Allied Health Dr. Alecia Nye was the first faculty member to use the ‘Metiman’ simulator when it was unveiled in 2006.
“This simulator has played a vital role in educating and shaping the next generation of nurses in our community,” Nye said. “The continued support of our community ensures that Olympic College students have access to the most advanced equipment and learning resources.”
