The Swymer Memorial Scholarship Fund

For many alumnae, a Smith education is part of their family tradition. For the Swymers, Smith became a home away from home for the entire family. In what grew to be a treasured ritual, each fall George and Beverly Swymer drove their daughters to campus until all four received their degrees. Christine ’90, Karen ’91, Laura ’94 and Emily ’96 all thrived at Smith and made their parents proud.

Sadly, since graduation two of the sisters have been lost. In October 2001, Laura Swymer Clancy died suddenly while competing in the Baltimore Marathon. Six months later, Karen Swymer Shanahan’s long battle with cancer ended. The tragic loss of these vibrant young women continues to be felt by the Smith community.

In a moving gesture, family and friends have chosen to memorialize Karen and Laura by generously establishing an endowed scholarship fund in their names. For generations to come, Karen and Laura’s legacy will directly impact and enrich the lives of deserving Smith students. How fitting that the Swymer sisters zest for life will be celebrated as well as honored here at Smith, their second home.*

If you would like to make a contribution in honor of our classmate, Laura (Wilson House), click here for the Smith advancement Web site, which will allow you to make an online payment or give you instructions about where to send a check.

Laura's best friend, Lesley H. Reidy and I are planning a memorial service at reunion, which will honor all seven of the classmates we have lost since we arrived on campus in 1990. We'll post details here, as well as at the class headquarters during reunion.

*Text and small photo courtesy of the Smith College Website.