Jan, a Latin major and Alumni Council member, died Sept. 22, 2025.
She earned a bachelor’s in Latin at the College and was married to the late William with whom she had three children. Jan also served on Alumni Council in the 1970s.
Mary, a librarian and community volunteer, died Aug. 16, 2025.

She earned a bachelor’s in chemistry at the College and a master’s in library science at Simmons College, which she used in the Bedford Library. Mary was named Citizen of the Year in 1988 by Bedford, Mass., in recognition of her work for the Job Lane House and the Bedford Historical Society. She also volunteered with the deCordova Museum and the Museum of Science. Mary led the Stewart family’s campaign to preserve the name of Stewart International Airport in Newburgh, N.Y., the land for which was donated by her family in 1930.
Nancy, a golfer with deep ties to the College, died Aug. 6, 2025.

She earned a bachelor’s in economics from the College, where she met late husband Robert “Bob” ’47. Nancy was a member of Swarthmore Friends Meeting and the Providence Garden Club; was an avid golfer, with seven holes-in-one and shot her age at 95; and was a supporter of the Chester Children’s Chorus. She had many ties to the College including, among others, son Robert Jr. ’81; parents Claude C. 1914, H’67 and Mary Roberts Smith 1914; and late siblings, Carter Smith ’51, Richard Smith ’41, and Gene McCulloch ’42.
Ty, an attorney and photographer, died July 28, 2025.

He earned his bachelor’s in political science/international relations at the College and a J.D. from the University of Colorado–Boulder. Ty, who was married to the late Martha “Penny” Penfield Brown ’51, specialized in labor law, serving a term at the National Labor Relations Board, acting as a union negotiator, and spending 25 years as executive vice president of the Midwest Industrial League in greater Chicago. An avid amateur photographer, he captured the beauty and artistry of the natural and manmade worlds, for which he received many national and international awards.
Penny, a swimmer, sailor, and artist, died Oct. 9, 2025.

She earned her bachelor’s with Honors in natural sciences at the College, where she set several records in swimming, and went on to study the role of trace metals in hypertension at a research laboratory in St. Louis, later becoming a paralegal and working in estate administration and tax preparation. Penny, married to the late Ty ’51, was a skilled sailor with numerous racing trophies, an artist who worked in both oils and watercolors, and a singer in school and church choirs.
Bill, former Board of Managers member and vice president of finance and administration, died Nov. 1, 2025.

He earned his bachelor’s with Honors in mathematics and physics; was a member of Sigma Xi as well as the basketball and soccer teams; captained the baseball team; and married the late Elizabeth Daugherty Spock ’52. Bill joined Penn Mutual Life Insurance Co., retiring after 30 years as executive vice president and acting president. He also served the Board of Managers and as the College’s vice president of finance and administration from 1989 to 1995. Bill was a fellow in the Society of Actuaries, started a soccer program in Nether Providence Township, and was a member of the Damariscotta Friends Meeting. He served on the boards of Riddle Hospital and Midcoast United Way.
Eleonore, an emerita professor and Peabody Award winner, died Oct. 3, 2024.
She earned a bachelor’s with Honors in philosophy at the College, and a master’s in French and a Ph.D. in comparative literature at Yale University, and was an emerita professor of French and comparative literature at the State University of New York. At Swarthmore, Eleonore was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, the College Chorus, the Phoenix, and the Folk Dance Club. She received a Peabody Award and a Guggenheim Fellowship.
Art, who was known as Mr. Radnor for his public service, died Aug. 6, 2025.

He earned a bachelor’s in engineering at the College and a master’s of mechanical engineering at Drexel University; married Lois Smith Lewis ’52; and worked at the Philadelphia Electric Co., retiring as chief design engineer in 1991. Art also had a “second career” in public service, including as a finance chair and Sunday school teacher at Wayne United Methodist Church; founder, with Lois, of the Radnor soccer program; member of the Radnor zoning board; and Radnor School Board member helping to oversee building renovations, among many other positions and organizations.
Kay, a librarian, died Nov. 3, 2025.
She earned her bachelor’s in art at the College, married the late Hugh C. Edsall ’53 from whom she was divorced, and received a master’s in library science at Indiana University–Bloomington. Kay was a librarian at several Indiana libraries and her survivors include two granddaughters who are Swarthmore graduates, Emily Shrader Hauze ’04 and Amy Langdon ’11.
Carolyn, a businesswoman and nonprofit supporter, died July 27, 2025.

She earned a bachelor’s with Honors in English literature at the College; attended the Sorbonne; and studied accounting, which she used at the family business, Contemporary Trends, eventually becoming its vice president. As an organizer for the Democratic Party, member of The League of Women Voters, and longtime Town of Ithaca Board member, Carolyn was also active making meal runs for Loaves and Fishes as a member of the Episcopal church, and supported the Nature Conservancy, Doctors Without Borders, and many other organizations.
Bob, a civil engineer and polo player, died Sept. 2, 2025.

He earned a bachelor’s in engineering at the College and a certificate in civil engineering from Cornell University and married the late Mary Jean Gray Schless ’55. At 22, Bob inherited Schless Construction Co., shifting the business focus over time from large municipal buildings to projects such as bridges, locks, marinas, dams, and a particle accelerator. He was a member of the Little Home Church by the Wayside, where he served as moderator, Sunday school teacher, and adviser during renovations and expansions. A lifelong equestrian, Bob played polo in Mexico, Colombia, and elsewhere.
Han-kyo, a professor emeritus of political science, died Oct. 17, 2025.

While a university student in Korea, Han-kyo was offered an opportunity to study in the U.S. He earned a bachelor’s in political science and international relations at the College and a master’s and Ph.D. in political science from the University of Chicago. He taught at the State University of New York–Oneonta as an assistant professor before being offered a tenure-track position at the University of Cincinnati, where he became a full professor of political science in 1972. Han-kyo was widely read, loved to publish and lecture, and mentored dozens of students through their graduate studies.
Jay, an attorney, died Aug. 16, 2025.
He earned a bachelor’s with Honors in political science at the College, where he was a member of the Phoenix, and received an LL.B. from Harvard University. He was a retired partner of Bigham Englar Jones and Houston and helped fund the College’s Levine Family Endowed Scholarship.
Hugh, an engineer, athlete, and singer, died March 6, 2025.

He earned a bachelor’s in engineering at the College and a certificate in business administration and was married to the late Martha Elder Strachan ’55 for 55 years. After serving in the Army, Hugh spent most of his career at IBM. Before and after retirement, he was involved in the Stephen Ministry, Men’s Spirituality Group at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, Master Chorale of South Florida, Florida Life Care Residents Association, Central Virginia Battlefield Trust, running marathons, and tutoring students.
Louise, a dog trainer and breeder, died Sept. 2, 2025.
She earned her bachelor’s in English literature at the College, where she was in the chorus and on the Drama Board, and worked in newsrooms, libraries, and schools. An avid dog trainer and breeder, Louise participated in dog herding, obedience, and agility competitions throughout the Northeast and later she and her dogs had therapy training and visited local retirement homes. A traveler, she annually attended a family reunion in Arkansas and visited Ireland to connect with her ancestors there.
Barbara, a minister, professor, and pioneering theologian, died Oct. 17, 2025.

She earned her bachelor’s in English literature at the College and a master’s in divinity at the Union Theological Seminary, and was the first woman with full membership in her New York conference. Also, Barbara was dean of students at the Pacific School of Religion, and served the California-Nevada conference and Golden Gate district. She was director of field education and spiritual formation at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and co-established the Napier Initiative, which mentored students and supported ecological and social change projects. Barbara also published a memoir, My Life Journey: Both Upwards and Downwards.
Bob, who ran a well-known dramatic agency, died Sept. 22, 2025.

He earned a bachelor’s with Honors in economics at the College, where he was a member of the College Chorus and in the Hamburg Show; received a J.D. at the University of Pennsylvania; and married the late Beth Stevens Freedman ’59. Bob began his career alongside his father at the Harold Freedman Dramatic Agency, taking over the business in 1966 and transforming it into the Robert A. Freedman Dramatic Agency, representing many of the theater world’s most respected playwrights and estates as a literary agent.
Rowena, a musician who studied classical Greek literature, died Oct. 30, 2025.

She earned a bachelor’s in English literature at the College, where she was a member of the College Orchestra and Chorus. Rowena was introduced to classics at Swarthmore and continued her study of classical Greek literature in London; played the violin and viola as well as cello and piano in chamber music ensembles in London, Paris, New York, and Connecticut; and later sang in local chorales and took part in reading and writing groups.
Peter, an economic historian, died Aug. 4, 2025.

He earned a bachelor’s with Highest Honors in economics at the College, was Phi Beta Kappa, and received a Ph.D. in economics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He started his career at MIT’s Sloan School before moving to its Department of Economics, where he held the Elisha Gray II professorship, retiring in 2009. Peter published in 2017 The Vanishing Middle Class: Prejudice and Power in a Dual Economy and Never Together: The Economic History of a Segregated America in 2022. He served as president of the Economic History Association and the Eastern Economic Association.
David, a Nobel Prize winner and former member of the Board of Managers, died Sept. 6, 2025.
He earned a bachelor’s with High Honors in chemistry and a Ph.D. in biology at Rockefeller University, and while at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), he identified an enzyme that enables RNA viruses to copy their genetic material into DNA, which led to him sharing the 1975 Nobel Prize. Additionally, David was founding director of MIT’s Whitehead Institute, served as president of Rockefeller University, and led the California Institute of Technology as well as being a member of the National Academy of Sciences and a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He was the author of approximately 680 peer-reviewed articles and was awarded the National Medal of Science.
Joan, an art and architectural historian, died Aug. 19, 2025.

She earned a bachelor’s in English literature at the College, married Henry ’57, and received a master’s in English and a Ph.D. from Indiana University–Bloomington. Joan’s career included serving as an associate professor of art history at the Kansas City Art Institute, associate professor and assistant to the dean at the New York Institute of Technology, executive director of the National Institute for Architectural Education, and a real estate agent in Brooklyn. She was a member of the Northeast Victorian Studies Association, the William Morris Society, and the Society of Architectural Historians.
Anne, professor emerita of history and women’s studies, died May 9, 2025.
She earned a bachelor’s with Distinction in history at the College and a Ph.D. in history at the University of Delaware. At West Chester University, Anne taught a range of courses including in political science, German culture, women’s studies, and the Honors Program. She was the first director of women’s studies and chair of the department and helped to create a women’s center, a day care center, and a women’s coalition on campus.
Roger, a pediatrician and outdoors lover, died Aug. 13, 2025.

He earned a bachelor’s in biology at the College, married wife Diane Marshall Shott ’61, received an M.D. at the University of Virginia, and was a University of Louisville pediatrics faculty member. There, Roger helped set up the state’s first neonatal transport system; successfully lobbying for insurance payments to support premature babies’ families, and studying and lecturing on the detrimental use of drugs during pregnancy. After retirement, he served on such boards as The Nature Conservancy of Kentucky and Kentucky Resources Council, and as president of the local Trout Unlimited.
Stephen, a health care policy expert, died Aug. 17, 2025.

He earned a bachelor’s in political science/international relations at the College, where he played varsity lacrosse. He also received a master’s in social work at the University of Maryland–College Park and a Ph.D. in policy and planning at the University of Chicago. Stephen had a long career in health care policy including at the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and Boston University. He loved the symphony, opera, baseball, and ice cream with chocolate chip cookies.
Claire, a space and science fiction enthusiast, died Sept. 26, 2025.

She earned her bachelor’s in psychology at the College and a master’s in education at the University of Illinois–Urbana and was a freelance writer and a retired administrative secretary at the University of Oklahoma. Claire joined what is now National Space Society and was co-chair of its International Space Development Conference, served on its board of directors, and was the international chapters coordinator. As a member of Norman Oklahoma Science Fiction Association, she helped run sci-fi conventions and was involved in filk music, a genre created by sci-fi and fantasy fans.
Louise, an English professor and writer, died July 2, 2025.
She earned a bachelor’s in English literature at the College, a master’s in teaching at Duke University, and a Ph.D. in English at Florida State University. She was a professor of English both at Campbell College and at Meredith College, where she chaired the English department for a decade. Louise, with husband Jerry and others, co-authored the Prentice-Hall Encyclopedia of Mathematics. She was a member of Memorial Baptist Church, was on the Harnett County Board of Elections, sang in the Harnett County Chorale, and wrote short stories.
Emily, a reader, connecter, and psychotherapist, died Oct. 30, 2025.

She earned a bachelor’s in English literature at the College and a master’s and Ph.D. in psychology at Columbia University, and was in private practice as a psychotherapist for over 55 years. Emily also taught clinical psychology at JFK University, the Wright Institute, and The Psychotherapy Institute (TPI) in Berkeley, Calif.; published articles about clinical practice; and was a supporter of WestCoast Children’s Clinic. She served for many years on the board of TPI, was instrumental in its purchase of a headquarters, and was honored by the organization in 1998.
Charles died Sept. 26, 2025.
He attended the College and was a member of Delta Upsilon.
Kevin, a mathematician, physicist, and teacher, died Aug. 31, 2025.

He earned a bachelor’s in mathematics at the College and a master’s and Ph.D. in physics at the University of Illinois–Urbana; had a Congressional Science Fellowship; advised the Senate Subcommittee on Energy and the Environment; and led the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s Three Mile Island accident investigation. Kevin worked in development and alumni relations at American University, Grinnell College, and George Washington University. In 2005, he discovered his true calling, teaching high school physics at Georgetown Day School, retiring in 2019.
Alan, an entertainment lawyer, died Aug. 15, 2025.
He earned a bachelor’s with High Honors in political science at the College and an LL.B. at the University of Pennsylvania, then worked in Philadelphia law firms before starting his own where he was a civil litigator and entertainment lawyer. Alan was appointed special attorney to the Pennsylvania Counsel on the Arts and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, and to a role at the National Endowment for the Humanities. Additionally, he provided pro bono support to many artists and cultural organizations, receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts.
Rick, an attorney, pilot, and runner, died Aug. 29, 2025.

He earned a bachelor’s with High Honors in political science at the College, a Ph.D. in political science at Columbia University, and a J.D. from the College of William & Mary. Before earning his law degree, Rick taught political science at California State University–Long Beach, William & Mary, and the L’université Clermont Auvergne in France. He clerked in the High Court of America Samoa and had a private law practice in California. Rick completed many marathons and was a private pilot for five decades, including flying a Messerschmitt German bomber.
Phil, an engineer and photographer, died Oct. 29, 2025.

He earned a bachelor’s with Distinction in engineering at the College and an MBA from Harvard University, and served in Korea in the Army, during which he took photographs that are in the Museum of History in Seoul. Phil had a 30-year career at Ford Motor Co. and helped found Project Grow and Community Day Care and the Michigan Friends Center. He was a member of Ann Arbor Friends Meeting and Friends Lake Cooperative Community in Chelsea.
DeDe, an attorney and book lover, died Sept. 11, 2025.

She earned a bachelor’s with High Honors in history and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa at the College; received a J.D. at the University of Pennsylvania; and was a lawyer for Bethlehem Steel Corp. DeDe was a board member for both the Bach Choir of Bethlehem and New Bethany, and volunteered with the book fair for the American Association of University Women. She also was a founding member of Young Atheists and Agnostics in high school.
Bob, who taught and worked in the field of economics and law, died Sept. 8, 2025.
He earned a bachelor’s with High Honors in psychology at the College, a master’s in political science at the University of Oxford, and a Ph.D. in economics at Harvard University, and was a professor of law at the University of California–Berkeley. Bob was a founder and president of the American Law and Economics Association and received its fifth Coase Medal; was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences; earned numerous awards, including a Guggenheim and the Max Planck Research Prize; and co-authored the sixth edition of Law and Economics.
Bob, a “Top Doc” in OB-GYN, died Oct. 7, 2025.

He earned a bachelor’s in biology at the College and an M.D. at the University of Pennsylvania. He was part of the medical staff at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania for 40 years, as well as a clinical associate professor in OB-GYN. Bob joined his father in his OB-GYN practice in Philadelphia, continued in solo practice until 2019, and was recognized as Philadelphia Magazine’s Top Doc for obstetrics and gynecology, 1984–2006. He also played tennis and chess, sailed, biked, skied, and was a collector of early U.S. copper coins.
Ellen, a mathematician and children’s librarian, died Sept. 4, 2025.

She earned a bachelor’s in mathematics at the College, a master’s in mathematics at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and a master’s in library science at the University of Washington. Ellen taught mathematics at Boynton Junior High School and subsequently worked as a children’s librarian. At Swarthmore, she was a member of the orchestra, received a Martha Tyson Fellowship, and was a Chester tutor.
Ann, a counselor and art therapist, died July 14, 2025.

She earned a bachelor’s in psychology at the College, where she was in the College Orchestra; received a master’s in counseling and art therapy at Antioch University; and was a counselor and art therapist. A lifelong hippie, Ann embraced the ideals of peace, love, and social justice with her artwork, which were displayed in numerous galleries and celebrated nature and the beauty of human connection. She was a member of the Episcopal Church and sang in the choir.
Darryl, an educator and Episcopal priest, died Aug. 10, 2025.

He earned a bachelor’s in psychology at the College and a master’s in education at Harvard University, and was an English teacher at Weaver High School and vice principal and principal at Weaver and Bulkeley high schools. Darryl was an ordained Episcopal priest and served at Trinity Church, beginning in 2020; was on the Reparations Task Force; and was a member of the hospital chaplains at St. Francis Hospital. He was a member of Beta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., and received numerous awards for his public education work and community volunteerism.
Abby, a zoologist, author, and activist, died July 31, 2025.
She earned a bachelor’s in biology at the College and a Ph.D. in zoology at the University of Oxford; taught human anatomy and physiology at Curry College; and had a research project at the Harvard School of Public Health. Abby wrote The Not-So-Intelligent Designer; appeared on NPR and WBAI, where she spoked about biology, education, and secular thought; and was board member and secretary of the American Humanist Association. She was at local No Kings protests and frequently at the Friday peace standouts at First Parish on Bedford Commons, Mass.
Linda, a data analyst, died Oct. 6, 2025.

She earned a bachelor’s in sociology and anthropology at the College, where she was a member of the Gospel Choir. Linda was a senior manager at BearingPoint before becoming a director of data and analytics at KPMG Advisory.
Lauren, who developed materials for health care education, died Sept. 25, 2025.

She earned a bachelor’s in psychology at the College and a master’s in education at Harvard Graduate School of Education, and was a project manager, collaborating with physicians to develop educational materials for health care companies. Living and working in Boston before moving to the South Shore, Lauren had a passion for travel, and enjoyed spending time at local beaches and visiting with family in Connecticut.
Beth, a technical writer and passionate editor, died Oct. 12, 2025.

She attended the College, where she studied history and was a member of the Phoenix and Sailing Club. Beth was a software technical writer and was a contributor to and editor of The Drood Review of Mystery, a literary newsletter and website, which she co-created with Jim Huang ’82 and other friends. She served for a time on the Swarthmore Alumni Council and Reunion Committee and volunteered at the Malden Warming Center, offering compassion and dignity to those in need.
Jennell, an education advocate and scientist, died July 25, 2025.

She earned a bachelor’s in biology at the College, where she met husband Jason Greenwood ’94, was a member of the varsity women’s track & field team, Wind Ensemble, WSRN, and Sigma Xi. She received a graduate degree in entomology, specializing in ants and how they used pheromones to protect their nests. Jennell spent her career at the Oregon Department of Education, championing career and technical education, student transitions, and federal Perkins funding; was an educator for the Wildlife Conservation Society; and shared her knowledge throughout the globe.
Lives
Well Lived
and Staff
Joan I. Wallace, who retired from the College’s cafeteria, died Sept. 15. She was 88. She started her career at the Old Country House Inn and later worked in the cafeteria at Swarthmore where she eventually retired, leaving behind fond memories and lasting friendships.
Theresa M. Handley, who retired in 2013 after 23 years of service to the College, died Oct. 29. She was 75.
Theresa joined the College in 1990 as the administrative coordinator for Human Resources. She later joined the benefits team, first as the benefits administrator and later as the compensation and benefits specialist. With her deep knowledge and expertise, Theresa was the “backbone” of the benefits team during her decades at Swarthmore, going above and beyond to support her fellow staff and faculty members.
A fierce advocate for the deaf community, in 2015, she co-authored an article in Pediatrics with Professor of Linguistics and Social Justice Donna Jo Napoli.
After her retirement, Theresa continued to serve the College as a member of the Faculty Staff Benefits Committee, where she represented the perspectives of retired members of our community.
Regina “Gina” Ingiosi, who retired from the College in 2020, died Oct. 20. She was 67.
Gina grew up as one of 13 in Southwest Philadelphia before moving to New Jersey as a teenager. She joined the Swarthmore community in 2007 and served 13 years as the academic administrator in the Political Science Department, where she provided a warm and welcoming presence from the day she arrived. Gina is remembered for her good cheer, kindness, and going the extra mile whenever needed. She is also remembered as a beloved wife, loving mother, adoring grandmother, devoted sister, fiercely loyal friend, stromboli prodigy, Donny Osmond supporter, and unflinchingly loyal Phillies and Notre Dame football fan.
Elise Loring McCarthy, a utility associate in Dining Services for 28 years, died Aug. 14. She was 62.
Elise was born deaf and communicated by writing and sign language. She was a longtime member of Swarthmore Presbyterian Church and volunteered for more than 12 years on the Parish Life Committee. Elise enjoyed success as a student at the Elwyn Institute in Media, Pa., and joined the College’s Dining staff in 1997.
Elise never missed an occasion to remember birthdays and other events with notes and cards. Her colleagues remember her as a person who considered someone a friend after she met them for the first time.
Elise celebrated 25 years at the College during the 2023 Winter Gathering. In recognition of Elise’s love for the College and her colleagues, her parents established The Elise L. McCarthy Scholarship Fund.
Read more at bit.ly/EliseMcCarthy.
Nancy E. Sheppard, who retired in 2016 after 35 years of service to the College, died Nov. 22. She was 77.
A graduate of Ridley Park High School, Nancy began her career as a computer technician at Widener University. Nancy joined Swarthmore in 1981 and served as the Business Office manager until 2015. She continued to support the office part time before her retirement in 2016. Remembered for her warmth and kindness, Nancy was a true gem.
True to her generous, creative spirit, she loved to mark the holidays and special occasions with thoughtful gifts. She started an annual holiday “pin day” tradition with friends and colleagues, wrapping and exchanging holiday pins that soon became treasured keepsakes.
William Thomas Spock ’51, emeritus manager and retired vice president for business and finance, died Nov. 1. He was 96.
Bill established himself as a three-sport varsity athlete, graduated with Honors in mathematics and physics, and met fellow scholar-athlete Elizabeth “Betty” Daugherty ’52, whom he married. They had two children, Susan and Thomas ’78, a current Board Manager. Bill later married Patricia Spock, and they had children Jeffrey and Jennifer. A scholarship named for the couple is awarded to students majoring in mathematics and the fine arts.
Bill had a long and successful business career before joining the Board of Managers in 1982. Then in 1989, President David Fraser recruited him to serve as vice president of business and finance. For five years, he oversaw the majority of non-academic College operations, including the endowment portfolio.
Bill is remembered as much for his financial acumen and wise stewardship as for his mentorship and self-effacing manner, providing a model of leadership that friends and colleagues alike still seek to emulate.
Read more at bit.ly/WilliamSpock.