Remembering Dr. Swanson Comments

I completed my college in 1953 and in the fall began my first year at McCormick Theologial Seminary. Soon later Swannie (as we all called him) was asked to become president of Alma College. I cautioned him from my experiences with the former President Harker that it would not be an easy job, but Swannie didn't take my advice and went anyway. Over the years after my graduation I would be at Alma and always looked up what I consider one of the best Presidents any college could have. He was adored, approachable and always interested in the welfare and happiness of students. Yet he was an excellent administrator; results are in the buildings he encouraged; the endowment he built up; and the legacy he left behind. The last time I saw Swannie was at my 50th class reunion and he was the same delightful person I was so fortunate to meet and know in 1953!

President Swanson was always a very warm and gracious person and treated every student with the utmost respect and dignity. He had a great impact on every student whose lives he touched. He was a very dynamic speaker and he motivated his students to achieve what they wanted to achieve in their lives. I will always remember his as a down-to-earth person who was friendly and wonderful to everyone he encountered. He was simply put a great man who left a great impact on every person he touched.

Russell E. LaCoursier
Class of 1971

President Swanson represented everything about Alma College that has held the college dear to my heart since attending there in 1956-57. Having chosen the pre-engineering track, I did not graduate from Alma with my class, but transfered to GM Tech in the fall of 1957.

The future Alma Registrar, Dr.John Kimball played a key role in my life in late August of '56. I had not enrolled anywhere for college and, quite frankly I was uncertain of my future.

John was my seventh grade science teacher at Nashville W.K.Kellogg Schools in Nashville, Michigan. He was single at the time and loved to go hunting small game just to be close to nature and out of mutual friendship for one another, he and I spent many a Saturday trudging the fields and woods of the area. Our relationship became the seed of a lifelong friendship.

John attained his higher education from Michigan State University and eventually became superintendent of Nashville schools. It was he that I turned to for advice on a hot summer day in 1956. I still can see him picking up the phone and dialing Art Turner and telling him that he had a fine young lad that wants to go to Alma College. When he hung up the phone, he told me; "you're in!"

With the help of John and a small supporting Alma scholarship I received, my life took a turn that has enriched me and my family. I retired from GM in 1988 and Ferris State University in 1998 and now live in Arizona.

John Kimball went on to become the registrar at Alma College and was Vice President prior to his premature death of cancer. I am certain that he felt the same elation that I felt, when President Swanson told him; "you're in!" John returned to his alma mater and was loved there as he was loved and respected where ever he went.

This little story about Dr. Swanson and John Kimball and myself is what "Only One Alma" is all about; touching peoples lives, who touch other people's lives in a positive way.

I join the Alma family in celebrating Dr. Robert D. Swanson's life and extend my heartfelt condolences to the Swanson family.

Sincerely,
Dick Hamilton, 1960

I was saddened to learn of Dr.Swanson's death. He was a wonderful and gifted man. When I think of him, I think the campus leader who brought Alma through tough times and into the 21st Century. I was an entering freshman when he was the entering President the fall of 1956. Burned into my memory is his friendly greeting to all he met on the campus. Every morning as I made my way to my eight o'clock Chemistry class, crossing Superior street, I would encounter President Swanson on his way to work. We both had doned our "freshman beanies" each morning for that first semester. What a wonderful man; always smiling and always looking forward for Alma, the students, faculty and the community. God Blessed his service to Alma College and God Bless him as he will be accepting an important assignment up there in heaven.
Sincerely,
Richard L. Hamilton

I do not believe that we all recognize the importance of Dr. Robert D. Swanson or Swanee as he was affectionately known to Alma College's existence, development, and stature.

After World War II and the Korean crisis, the Board of Trustees decided not to move Alma College from Alma to suburban Detroit. The person who was charged with developing Alma into its strong stature, structure, endowments, faculty, campus buildings, and overall success was President Swanson. He obviously did not do it single handedly, but he put together quite a group of individuals and was adept at organizing everyone to this common cause and purpose to benefit Alma College in all of its aspects. All of the dormatories were built or started or planned during his tenure. All of the classroom buildings were developed, founded, or planned during his tenure. The fine arts and athletic facilities were constructed during his tenure along with the library. The student union building was also constructed during his tenure. About the only thing that he did not have a hand in was Dunning Chapel. Along with these structures, he helped recruit and retain a faculty who did not just stay for two or three years, but most often stayed for their whole life as a professor. During his tenure and after, he helped the college with endowment and development funding.

For students, I remember his meeting of the student body concerning athletics in the fall of 1964. Alma had a terrible football program during that fall and President Swanson stated to the student body that he would reconstruct the athletic program and its facilities to have competitive teams and facilities and not just have club sports and a strong intermural program. True to his word, Alma hired a new football coach and broke ground on an athletic complex of stature and usefulness. During my senior year, the program went undefeated.

Unbeknownst to the student body, Swanee contacted the student body president who turned down closing the school for a celebration and then sought me out as business manager of Tyler Board and its activities. He did not want to be on record with the faculty of closing down the college for a sports celebration, but fully supported it with the assistance of the maintenance staff, community leaders in Alma, and backing the Tyler Board activities. Although it was difficult informing the Dean of Faculty, Dr. Jackson, that we needed the celebration, Dr. Jackson consented and we had a momentous celebration that included honoring the team and school and having the Detroit Tigers MVP to the World Series, Jim Northrup, appear. Dennis Stoltz went on to become Michigan State's football coach along with positions at Bowling Green and San Diego State. Alma even produced Keith Byrd who tried out with the Houston Oilers. Dr. Swanson showed his moxie in fully supporting student activities and the small college unity, flare, and excitement that you do not get at a large university.

In addition to the above, Dr. Swanson was a confidant, cordial even if he disagreed with you, and always was approachable no matter what the matter. His vivacious personality was contagious and is what sold Alma College to most all of its students, faculty, and the community. He was the personification of faith in practice and will be deeply missed by all who knew him for all of his deeds as well as his friendship.

I graduated with Sally Swanson Plowman. One summer she, El Rita Fair and I lived in the President's house while we worked or went to school. Dr. and Mrs Swanson spent the summer in Minnesota. They were both gracious, lovely people.

In October 1964, Dr. Swanson married Mike and I in Dunning Chapel. He and Mrs Swanson will always be part of our lives as they were there at the beginning.

Sally and Mark, you have our heartfelt sympathy and our prayers. Dr. Swanson will be sorely missed.

Swanee had a profound influence on my lift from the first day I arrived on campus in the fall of 1958. He had been president for two years and was already making changes to keep the College in business. He was always available to chat with students and listen to our concerns and ideas.He liked to have fun as well. I remember how on several accasions he would walk through VanDusen Commoms and just before going out the door he would let go with his very loud whistle, we would all turn to see who had caused the noise. He of course was out the door, but we soon caught on.

There was also the time that several members of the Student Council went to the Bahamas for spring break and while there we sent Swanee a telegram requesting permission to establish a branch of AC campus on the island and to send money. We did get a telegram from him saying "Permission granted!" But, no money!

Following graduation Dr.John Kimball, Director of Admissions and Dean of Students hired me to be the Head Resident at Mitchell Hall. I then became an Admissions Counselor for several years, then Director of Alumni, Director of Development, and finally Director of Estate Planning. In all I was on staff at Alma for just over 25 years and 23 of those years were under Dr. Swanson. What a president he was in every respect. A master of the English language, his sermons and speeches were not to miss.

Swanee will be remembered for saving Alma College and developing a plan, which was very successful, to raise the College's endowment along with it's academic status.

Swanee, how we loved you!May you rest in pease.

Stu Strait '62

I have known Dr. Robert Swanson my entire life (literally). It was Dr. Swanson that hired my Dad to become Athletic Director of Alma College in the mid-1960's.

In the house that I grew up in, Dr. Swanson ("Swanny" (as he was affectionately referred to in my house growing up)) was a person to be revered. He lead Alma College perfectly....with regard for the Students and Faculty, and fully aware of the traditition and mission of Alma College.

The last time I saw Dr. Swanson was at the Memorial Service for my Mom (who loved Dr. Swanson). He spoke twice at the service, at the beginning and at the end, and, despite his age, both were memorable.

After the service, I saught out Swanny to tell him how important his impact was on our family's life.

I told him that his leadership, caring, and humanity impacted me second most in my life.

He said (paraphrashing) "So who was first....and I think I know the answer?"

I replied "my Dad."

He said "you're right, but I did pretty good being second."

As an alumnus and someone who literally grew up with Alma College, I can say (without hesitation) that Dr. Robert Swanson was to Alma College what Thomas Jefferson was to these United States of America.

I miss Swanny dearly, as does the entire Alma College Community.

Charles ("Chip") Gray
Alma College Class of 1984
AND Proud Friend of Dr. Robert Swanson

I remember Dr. Swanson very well and what he accomplished for the College during his tenure.

I rememeber June 25, 1966 with the fondest of memories when he married Charlene Glassell nee and me in the Dunning Chapel. The Chapel was 95 degrees inside. Yet, all participants enjoyed the moment. Dr. Swanson said he "tied the knot permanently" for the couples he married. Charlene and I are still married 40 years later.

Dr. Swanson, perhaps more than any other President, in my opinion, brought the College up to the next level by the building program he initiated and the caring relationship he had for Faculty, other memembers of his Administration and, most importantly, his love for the students.

Charlene and I extend our condolences to the Swanson family and to the Alma College Community in general.

Sincerely,

Rodger C. Blair, '65

Here is a picture of the prize-winning homecoming float constructed and manned by Alma staff in 1980 to honor Dr. Swanson, president emeritus, in various phases of his career. Pictured here are Stu Strait as Chef Curly making pancakes for generations of Alma stsudents, Joe Walser as the Navy Chaplain, Dan Behring as the Bald Eagle (Dr. Swanson's cb handle), and yours truly as President R.D. Swanson. Driving the tractor is Gene Dice, I believe. The float was designed by the late Ed Jacomo and constructed by numerous faculty and staff under the leadership of F. Van Edgerton, '74.

I met Dr Swanson about 50 years ago. My father, the Rev. Thomas Bailey, had met him at McCormick Seminary and they remained friends afterwards. My brother Tom '64 and Dave '67 preceded my at Alma. When I graduated in 1971 we'd had Baileys at Alma for 11 years and Tom was back teaching there. Swanee was always friendly to us and we admired him greatly.

When I came to Homecoming in 2001, he remembered me when we met again at the Alumni House.

He and my dad are both gone now. I look to the day when we shall meet again.

Dr. and Mrs. Swanson had all the freshmen and new students out to their house for dinner early in the fall. My first impression was, "What nice people." Since meeting them, and so many other "nice" people on the staff at AC, we've decided that our goal as parents is for our children to be nice. When the children's teachers ask what our goals and expectations are for them, we always say, "We want them to be nice and polite." And the example in my mind is always the smiling and nice Dr. and Mrs. Swanson.

I remember Dr Swanson coming to Alma as a young man and wearing the green beanie along with the freshmen. It was a nice way to show his affinity for the students.

Being a member of the Alma College Choir, I have many fond memories of traveling around the state to various churches where Dr. Swanson did the sermon and we sang. We had a "mutual admiration society" between us: the choir had a high respect for "Swanee" and his inspirational words, and he had a great deal of pride in the choir and their talent.

Also, it was always a source of pride that the President of the college took such a personal interest in the students and their activities. His big smile and friendly greeting was seen often around campus.

Dr. Swanson became President of Alma the year after I graduated. When I began to discover how forthright and comprehensive he was in College development and tough decisions for students like raising tuition, I knew this was someone to follow, in an enterprise I thought I could well be part of.

As it turned out, I taught at Alma during 16 years of his presidency. At times he made decisions that were rough for me to deal with, but he was always extremely sensitive to the impact those decisions might have on colleagues like me. He had a reputation for constant experiementation, and a vigorous sense of leadership tempered by a capacity to listen to suggestions and criticism. For many years his Opening Convocation addresses were eagerly awaited.

It was good to meet him from time to time in this past year when he would stop in Masonic Pathways, and I understand he carried news of our conversations to my fellow Presbyterians up the street.

In all, he was a good man, for whom I cherished the deepest respect.

Each Commencement, Swannie would doff his mortarboard and salute the graduating seniors with a wish of "Godspeed." Now it's our turn to honor a great man. "Godspeed, Swannie, Godspeed."

Over the course of my career as a college administrator, I have heard countless opening convocation addresses. Yet the only one I remember is the one Dr. Swanson delivered in the fall of 1968. He spoke with a strength and clarity that I'll always remember.

Dr. Swanson has done so much for Alma College and the city of Alma that I can't begin to name them all. But I can say is that I can appreciate him for being the person he was. He knew when to offer advice and when to just listen. He was fun, silly and lighthearted, or serious, caring, and sympathetic - whatever the situation called for. One of the smartest

Where do you begin when commenting on such a great man. He was a man of great faith and great virtue.His love was very evident, to those that new him, for each and every student he came in contact with. His love for Alma College was felt by everyone Because of Dr. Swanson strong vision Alma will continue to be a great institution.

Michael Gage
Kinde, Mi.
Would have been class of "67"

I have wonderful memories of Dr. Swanson as a college president, as a wonderful speaker and orator, as someone who knew the students. As an alumna, I will never forget the 25th reunion at the president's home, which included Dr. Swanson and faculty members of the '60's. He graaciously posed for pictures at my 30th reunion with a hot dog in his hand and a smile on his face. One of his protege's, Robert L. Bowman "44", was my mentor and inspiration to go to Alma, and we shared many updates as we had contacts with Mr. Bowman. It is wonderful to have the influence of "bigger than life" individuals. God is good!!!

Judy Shaffer Pelter "67"

Thank you.

I still remember Dr. Swanson's welcome speech to our freshmen class on "Everything That Is Fastened Down is Coming Loose." It was awesome. He was a great leader.

I remember Dr. Swanson being a great old guy... the last time I saw him was at K-Mart last spring. He was with his wife, and he came up to me, gave me a hug, and said something to the effect of "remember to study hard but to have time for fun, too." I'll miss him very much.

While most international students are here for one year, some stay for four years and earn an Alma degree. These students have the opportunity to get involved in student life taking on positions of leadership and enjoying a well-balanced social life.