The donors, Alexander and Elizabeth Swantz, both attended Washington State College. Alex graduated in 1941 with a degree in Agricultural Economics. Beth studied Home Economics. They married just before Alex’s graduation. Alex spent most of his professional career as an agricultural economist and administrator with the United States Department of Agriculture in Washington D.C. He held assignments in Spokane and Denver. He retired as the Associate Administrator of the Commodity Exchange Authority, the Federal agency responsible for regulating commodity exchanges and futures trading. After their children were grown, Beth became a real estate sales agent. Moving to Asotin, Washington in 1981, they became active members in community affairs.
Uses and Purposes
This professorship shall be designated to a faculty member who has demonstrated leadership and world-class educational practices in both the classroom and research.