Ashel Bryan has been a business and community leader since he graduated from BGSU in 1946. Bryan joined the locally owned Mid-American National Bank, serving as chairman and CEO from 1950 to 1985. During this time, he and his late wife Dorothy helped develop the city, region and state. One of their interests was BGSU. He served as member of the Board of Trustees from 1965-76, serving as president for two of those years. Their interest also extended to the Medical College of Ohio where they were recognized by the establishment of Dorothy and Ashel Bryan Commons.