John Patrick Raynor

John Patrick Raynor (1 October 1923 – 14 November 1997) was a Catholic priest of the Jesuit order and the twentieth president of Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Raynor managed Marquette University from 1965 to 1990, which is the longest tenure of any president in Marquette's history. During Raynor's tenure, the university added several graduate and professional programs, including doctoral programs in biology, chemistry, English, history, mathematics and engineering.

Early life and education Father Raynor was born in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1923, one of ten children of Walter and Mary Clare Raynor.

Raynor retired as president in 1990, and became university chancellor a year later, assisting his successor and participating in university fundraising.

Awards and recognition Raynor's received several honors, particularly during his time as Marquette's president. These included the Vocational Recognition Award of the Rotary Club of Milwaukee, the Milwaukee Press Club's Headliner of the Year Award, the Human Relations Award of the Wisconsin Region of the National Conference of Christians and Jews, the Distinguished Service Award of the Education Commission of the States, and the Pope John XXIII Award from Viterbo College. He belonged to the Phi Beta Kappa honor society and received honorary degrees from Marquette, St. Louis University, Cardinal Stritch University and St. Norbert College.

Marquette also honored Raynor by establishing an endowed faculty chair and the university's library in his name.

Death After his third major heart surgery and a battle with cancer, Raynor died on 14 November 1997.