I imagine it is all too often that an instructor imparts upon a student his or her wisdom and experience beyond the textbook requirements without ever fully understanding what an impact he or she has had in that student's life. A positive remark, a pat on the back, a friendly wink to let a timid freshman know he was going in the right direction goes far beyond making sure one knows a participle from a predicate; it lays the groundwork for the maturity and confidence needed to succeed in school and ultimately in life. Mr. Swink was that kind of educator and for that I deeply thank him.

Duane Lanham

Class of 1985