Saint Mary’s College of California Vice President for Mission, Dr. Carole Swain, has announced her retirement effective June 30, 2018. The announcement was shared by Saint Mary’s College president James A. Donahue.
Dr. Carole Swain
Swain was named Saint Mary’s first Vice President for Mission in 1988. Prior to that, she directed the College’s elementary education department; Lasallian Studies Masters; Lasallian Educator Fellowship; and was co-founder of Teachers for Tomorrow Program. Swain served as Dean of Mission and Faculty Development, while chairing the Academic Senate. The Alumni Association honored her with the Spirit of Faith Award and the College named her 1997 Professor of the Year.
In his announcement, Donahue wrote, “As the inaugural Vice President for Mission, Carole invited Saint Mary’s faculty, staff and students into a deeper understanding and commitment to the liberal arts, Catholic and Lasallian traditions through various initiatives, programs and events. The Mission and Ministry Center’s relevance and impact are evidence of Carole’s commitment to serving our diverse student body…Carole’s service to the broader Lasallian community at the International, Regional and District levels established an ongoing and valuable presence of SMC in the Lasallian world.”
Although retiring, Swain will continue her involvement with Saint Mary’s as she will both oversee the Cristo Rey De La Salle/Saint Mary’s Corporate Partnership program and launch a Saint Mary’s College Retirement Staff/Faculty Association.
Dr. Frances Sweeney
After consultation with the Brother Visitor of the San Francisco/New Orleans District, and with the Chair of the Board of Trustees, Donahue has appointed Dr. Frances M. Sweeney to succeed Professor Swain as Vice President for Mission. Sweeney currently is a professor in the School of Liberal Arts. A Saint Mary’s alumnus, Sweeney has served at her alma mater since 1990.
“Frances brings more than twenty years of experience to the position,” Donahue wrote. “As a valued professor and faculty leader with a wealth of academic, residential, and student life service, she has served as an academic dean and then vice provost for the College. And, as a graduate of both the undergraduate college and a graduate program at Saint Mary’s, she has long been a passionate advocate for our liberal arts, Lasallian and Catholic traditions.”
Photos courtesy Gerry Serrano, Saint Mary’s College of California.
