Homer D. Swander Jr.

Michael and Susan. We've been thinking of you.

I took Dr. Swander's two Shakespeare courses in the late 1960s at UCSB. They were, without question, the most exciting lectures I've ever heard. To this day I feel proud of having given the right answer when he asked what kills Enobarbus in Antony and Cleopatra. Answer: a broken heart. "Who else in the play dies of a broken heart?" I took a chance and suggested "Iras?" "right again!" said Dr. Swander. 50 years later, and my heart still glows to think that I pleased my favorite professor....

Murphy's Theatre in England program in 1983 is one of my fondest memories. I was between sophomore and junior year in college. Murph was a ball of energy, aided and abetted by his lovely Laura. I'm so glad I got to be part of their world, even for a mere three weeks. My condolences to the Swander family.

I'm so sorry for your loss Michael. He was a kind man and I know what he meant to you. I will keep you in my thoughts and prays as you grieve. Bless you

I am so sorry to hear this. Murph changed my life through his classes, and his student productions. I was offered the gift of playing Berowne for him in Love's Labor's Lost, and as a result discovering myself and going on to have a career as a director and, like him, a professor. I speak about him in every Shakespeare class I teach. I believe Murph was the single greatest teacher of Shakespeare in his and my lifetime. And he was a great, great friend.

We will miss you and Aunt Laura and will cherish the memories we have. May you rest in peace. Love Alice and Casey

We had the opportunity to take the Theatre in England classes with Professor Swander and felt privileged to see such wonderful performances and hear informative speakers. Christine and Susan Oka