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Press Releases 2008
CONTACT: Mary Planding, Director, Marketing & Communications
(831) 479-6158
mary.planding [at] cabrillo.edu
January 4, 2008
CABRILLO COLLEGE TO HONOR THE LIFE OF FOUNDING PRESIDENT, DR. ROBERT E. SWENSON
Sunday, January 13, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. Cabrillo College Theatre (Building 200), Aptos Campus
APTOS, CA--The end of an era occurred this New Year's Eve with the death of founding Cabrillo College president, Dr. Robert E. Swenson. Bob, as he insisted upon being called, was universally beloved for his charismatic leadership, genuine compassion and selfless dedication to improving the lives of all Santa Cruz County residents through education.
Dr. Brian King, Cabrillo's current president announced on Wednesday via an all-college email, "It is with profound sadness that I share with you the loss of our founding president, Dr. Robert E. Swenson. Bob passed away on Monday. He would have turned 90 this March. Words cannot begin to express what Bob meant to Cabrillo College and to Santa Cruz County. He was a kind and gentle man with a deep passion for students and for the college he helped build as its first president in 1959. In the thirty years since he retired in 1977, Bob remained intimately involved with the college he loved. He served on our Foundation Board, attended many events at the college, and recently he and his wife, Fran, made a significant donation to Cabrillo. Our hearts go out to Fran and the Swenson family."
A memorial service is being held on Sunday, January 13, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at the Cabrillo College Theatre on the Aptos campus with a reception to follow at the Sesnon House. Michele Rivard, Cabrillo Music Department Chair will sing a solo and the Cabrillo Symphonic Chorus will also perform. The college cordially invites the entire community to join in celebrating the life of this deeply beloved man. The Swenson Family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Robert and Frances Endowed Scholarship at the Cabrillo College Foundation in lieu of flowers.
Bob's legacy continues to be seen at Cabrillo College today through its continual delivery of educational excellence and a student-centered culture.
About Cabrillo College
Cabrillo College is a leading California community college serving Santa Cruz County with locations in Aptos, Scotts Valley and Watsonville. It is ranked #1 in transfers to UC Santa Cruz. Founded in 1959, the college offers over 100 academic and career technology programs that serve multiple educational goals such as A.A. and A.S. degrees, certificates of proficiency, skills certificates, transfer to 4-year institutions or for lifelong learning and personal enrichment. Our mission is to enhance the intellectual, cultural, and economic vitality of our diverse community by assisting all students in their quest for lifelong learning and success in an ever-changing world.
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