Thomas D. SWIFT

1934 - 2016

History professor Thomas Swift passed away on September 29, 2016, at the age of 82. Born in Chicago on February 7, 1934, he was the son of Anice and Duane Swift. He had two siblings--Winston (deceased) and June Swift Ewing. After graduation from Highland Park High School in 1951, he served in the U.S. Army in Korea and Japan (1953-1955). While in the Army, he took college correspondence courses, taught English to high school students, and made many Japanese friends. After returning to the U.S. he studied Asian history at U.C. Berkeley and earned B.A. and M.A. degrees (1957/1959). In 1960 he returned to Japan, studying at International Christian and Tokyo Universities for another 3 years where he also taught Chinese history. He again enrolled at U.C. Berkeley for his Ph.D. (1966). His thesis was researched at Kyoto University, in a city he dearly loved. Dr. Swift began in 1966 as a professor of Asian history at CSU Sacramento until retirement in 1998. He enjoyed sharing his love for Eastern cultures and led many summer student tours to Japan and China (1973 to 1985). Tom fought a courageous battle to overcome declining health. Despite the obstacles he remain-ed active in leisure activities such as music and theater performances and local senior dance groups. He taught for many years in the popular senior educational program Renaissance Society at CSUS. Tom also took leadership roles in organizations that were dear to his heart: League of Women Voters, Congress of California Seniors, fibromyalgia support and medical advocacy groups, Hmong Women's Heritage Association, and groups prom-oting world peace and cultural exchange. He was a great benefactor of non-profit educational institutions such as CSUS student scholarships, UC Berkeley, KVIE and Capitol Public Radio. Among his broad base of loyal and lifelong friends and students, he is known as a gentle and kind- hearted person who will be greatly missed. A Celebration of Life reception will take place on the CSUS campus, Thursday, November 10, in the Student Union, Ballroom 2, 4:00-5:30 p.m. All are welcome. Donations may be made to the Swift Scholarship Endowment through the CSUS University Foundation Development Office, 6000 J. Street, Sacramento, CA 95819-6030.