Hear about the educational value of study abroad in Dr. Swaim’s own words in this video tribute to the Donna Swaim International Award Endowment in Religious Studies produced in 2019.

My trip to Bhutan expanded my boundaries to spaces I did not know possible. When the opportunity arose to meet the woman behind the scholarship, I was immediately embraced both physically and intellectually in the vigor that so characterized Dr. Swaim. She was always so proud that students such as myself were experiencing places and cultures around the globe. I hope to continue to explore throughout my life, carrying her advice with me across the globe to celebrate her timeless influence.

Chelsea Forer, B.A. Religious Studies and B.S. Anthropology

Dr. Swaim helped athletes broaden their narrow views of success. She was interested in every facet of an athlete’s life. She never dodged tough topics, but lovingly walked with you through your thoughts. She asked great questions because she earnestly cared. Her warmth was felt the instant you walked into her office or her classroom. She was absolutely beloved.

Annie Grevers, B.A. Journalism

She was a cheerleader for the [C.A.T.S. Life Skills] program across campus and an essential part of its growth. But it was her strong connection and one-on-one interaction with student-athletes that really made a difference, not just in their academic world, but in their lives going forward.

Rocky LaRose, Retired Deputy Director of Athletics

I’m not sure I’ve ever known someone who impacted as many lives as she did, and for such a diverse cross section of students. No matter where you were from, your background or life experiences, if you were a 4.0 student or struggling academically, she could connect with you, and she believed in you. It was very personal and unique for each student. She had designated ‘office hours,’ but they were really 24/7. If you needed something, Donna would be there for you. Even some of her smallest acts of kindness will be remembered forever.

Becky Bell, Retired Associate Athletic Director for C.A.T.S. Life Skills

Her class was the kind of experience students would hold with them forever. She completely motivated me and changed my life, really taught me to understand the value of the humanities. She was the one I would always recommend. Get a class with Donna Swaim, and so many did. My kids had her when they were in school. She could connect with everybody. She approached everything with a real curiosity and lack of judgement. She believed in everybody’s potential and as a result everybody wanted to live up to that.

Melissa Vito, Retired Senior Vice President for Student Affairs, Enrollment and Academic Initiatives

Donna Swaim played a unique role as a citizen of the university, an important member of her department while also serving with her special touch as a Faculty Fellow in Athletics. She connected our student athletes with the larger university community as a beloved friend and mentor.

Peter Likins, University of Arizona President from 1997 to 2006

She always felt like she had something to learn from each and every student, which helped students realize their own value as contributors to the human story. She had a very interdisciplinary course that brought in literature, philosophy, various classical texts, so she brought that over and gave it a religious studies focus, looking at religion and religious themes through art and literature,” Seat said. “She really personalized the course for students and she worked individually with every student on their projects and their writing. She helped students understand why the humanities mattered and it changed the way they thought about themselves and the world. She just had this incredible ability to bring that alive for students.

Karen Seat, Head of the Department of Religious Studies and Classics

Donna Swaim is one of the most beloved teachers in the entire history of the University of Arizona. For 50 years, she opened her students’ minds to a bigger world through her humanities and religious studies classes, her service as a faculty fellow and leading life-changing study abroad trips. The best teachers leave a lasting impact on the lives of their students, and Dr. Swaim changed the lives of thousands. She loved every one of her students and she remains an inspiration to all of us in the College of Humanities. We are profoundly thankful that our world has been shaped by her dedication, passion and love.

Alain-Philippe Durand, College of Humanities Dorrance Dean