Initial Funding for a Ryder Foundation for Critical Thinking

The world lost Dr. Dan Ryder on December 8, 2024. He leaves an impressive body of work, a wonderful family, and thousands of former students who benefited from his teaching and his efforts in spearheading the addition of critical thinking as a foundational requirement for the BA degree at UBC Okanagan. Before his illness, Dan planned to begin work on a project to shape the K-12 curriculum in a way that taught critical thinking skills.

Dan's vision was a citizenry armed with the skills needed to critically evaluate the bombardment of misinformation it receives through traditional and social media.

Read an interview with Dan discussing this work here: Philosopher Shines Light and see an example of how he brought scholars and public figures together on this topic here: The Misinformation Age

Before Dan died, he, his wife Dr. Zena Ryder, and I decided to create a foundation for critical thinking education and scholarship in his memory. Dan and Zena's wish is that, instead of flowers, any tributes to Dan's life be given to provide seed funding for this Foundation. Zena and I will be working with UBC Okanagan to explore how a partnership with the university can further Dan's wishes with respect to this project.

The funds from this fundraiser will be used to perform the legal steps necessary to create a Foundation with a charitable purpose. I will hold any remaining funds in trust in a savings account over which Zena will have power of attorney. Once we are able, we will start the Foundation to continue Dan's work.

RIP dear friend knowing that your work will continue ...