The English Department held a reading for Jack Swanson on Nov. 20 in the teleconference center.

Jack Swanson, English professor, has been on sick leave since he was diagnosed with throat cancer this past summer.

“To know why the English Department decided to put on a reading for Jack, you need to know Jack,” explained English professor Philip Hu.

Swanson was one of the most liked and well-respected faculty members on this campus, said Hu.

He added, “Ask anyone who knows Swanson and they’ll tell you he’s a phenomenal, kind-hearted, genuine person who makes everyone feel good no matter what’s happening.”

It was Hu who was responsible for organizing the event along with help from Dave Gunn, Instructional Media Production Specialist for the multimedia department.

Teachers from the English department were offered the opportunity to read either their own original works or the works of published authors.

Hu stated, “I’m not sure how everyone came to choose the piece/pieces they ultimately read. Likely, some chose their piece for inspiration; others may have looked for thematic relevance.”

Although most of the teachers read stories and recited poems, English professor Frank Gaik shared something different at the event.

He presented an audio clip of the song “Surely Chisholm Trail,” performed by Swanson and other members of his online band.

“The song Gaik showed was cool,” said Jessica Arambula, Swanson’s former student.

“He comes out cussing at the beginning and it’s funny,” she giggled. “But then the rest of the song showed me that my beloved professor Swanson was even a pretty hip musician, which I had not known.”

Many of the inspirational pieces as well as motivational pieces that were read touched some of the students who attended the reading.

“I liked that (the professors) were reading things that would inspire and motivate professor Swanson,” said Fernando Acosta, English major.

“He needs the support and the motivation and I’m glad the teachers read pieces that showed we got his back.”

Swanson is missed very much and has left many students feeling empty without his cheerful presence, said Angelica Vaasquez, history major.

Vaasquez took a semester of English with Swanson, but was forced to drop out of school due to pregnancy leave.

“I came back to school hoping to take one of his classes again and was shocked to find out he was no longer here,” she said.

“No teacher had ever inspired and helped me as much as he did,” Vaasquez added. “I just want him to know that if it wasn’t for all his optimism and enthusiasm for not only teaching but also life, I probably would not have been motivated to return to school.”  

Other divisions/departments and students were not given the opportunity to read.

Acosta was very disappointed that students were not given the opportunity to contribute their own readings for Swanson.

He said, “He (Swanson) was not only a teacher to us, but also a friend and to me, personally, I looked to him as a father figure. I think it’s only fair that we show him our support as well.”

Hu admitted, “We (English department) churned this idea a bit, regarding whether or not to keep it strictly an English Department event or to open it up. In the end, we decided to maintain only a department presence for this semester’s reading because Jack was one of our own, and this was a way for the English folk to show our appreciation and support for Jack.”

However, having another reading for Swanson in the spring semester, is a possibility, said Hu.

The reading was video taped and will be given to Swanson.

“I hope Swanson enjoys it, and then focuses on his treatment and rehab, and returns to us as soon as he is able,” Hu hoped, “For me personally, I can’t wait to have him back.  The end of the Liberal Arts hallway is just not the same without Swanson’s grace, smile, friendship and warmth down there as anchor.”