Swanson and classmates
Carl Swanson, MW&TM ’38, Hon. ’84, earned two titles during his Wentworth career in which he took great pride. The first was Institute Professor, an honor he received in 1982, making him the first-ever recipient of the designation. The second was a nickname earned over the course of more than four decades and myriad titles at the school: “Mr. Wentworth.”
Hired as an assistant professor shortly after graduation, he began a Wentworth career that spanned 47 years, moving from assistant professor to professor to department head to, finally, vice president of student affairs. “He loved the students, and I think that was a natural progression,” says his son, Robert.
When Swanson finally retired in 1986, he did so unwillingly. “My mother made him,” says Robert with a laugh. “He left Wentworth kicking and screaming.”
Carl Swanson died July 19, 2010, at age 93. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Shirley Cummings. He is survived by his wife, Edna; two sons, Robert and David; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. —DAN MORRELL