2009 NCAA Division II Softball Tournament

June 9, 2005

James W. Swistock, center, has announced that he and wife Jeanne are adding to the Swistock Family Scholarship, which goes to student-athletes in the football program.  Also pictured, from left, are Erik J. Evans, executive director of alumni and development; John M. Klacik, LHU head football coach; Dr. Keith T. Miller, LHU president; and Jerry L. Updegraff, vice president of the advancement division.

The Swistock Family Scholarship annually goes to a member of the LHU football team who is in good academic standing and makes a significant contribution to the program. Swistock is an avid supporter of the team and is looking forward to the upcoming season with newly-appointed head coach John M. Klacik.

"I'm excited about coach Klacik," Swistock said. "He is very enthusiastic. He did a great job at Youngstown State and he has the tools to help here."

Klacik said the scholarship will help in team-building efforts.

"Recruiting is the lifeblood of football," Klacik said. "Obviously, I'm very excited when one of our own steps up to help out. Jim has decided to add to his scholarship and I couldn't be more pleased with the support."

Dr. Keith T. Miller, LHU president, also expressed gratitude to Swistock for his efforts.

"Jim is a great example of a true supporter, volunteer and philanthropist," Miller said. "He has been generous with not only his resources, but with his valuable time. He is making a lasting difference here, and students will benefit from his efforts for years to come."

For Swistock, the scholarship gift goes beyond helping to build the football program.

"I'm just a Lock Haven University enthusiast," Swistock noted. "I received a great education here. It is great because it has served me well in life. The liberal arts education I received taught me how to communicate and relate to people. It will prepare you for a lot of things."

Swistock, who is one of eight LHU alumni in his extended family, hopes to inspire other alumni to be a part of building the university's future. With a planned Alumni and Conference Center and a number of scholarship areas, the alumni can get involved where they feel they will make the most difference, he said.

"It is a thrilling time to be an alumnus with the Alumni and Conference Center being planned," he said. "I'm excited about that. I hope the alumni come back and donate. There are many good opportunities. We are entering a new phase at Lock Haven. It's going to be huge."

Swistock is not only generous with his resources, but is generous with the time he devotes to LHU.

"Being appointed a trustee gave me an opportunity to make a difference," he said. "Right now there is a competition for funds. I want to make sure Lock Haven gets its fair share. It feels good to be a part of the growth here."

As for those who have recently graduated from LHU, Swistock hopes there is the realization that it is a unique education.

"I hope the younger alums, when they leave, realize the experience they get here," he said. "They get individualized attention that they wouldn't get at a big university. Here, you can meet and greet your professors. You are not a number, but you are a person."

The result is a well-rounded experience, he said. It is one that surpasses basic career objectives.

"I didn't come to Lock Haven to learn how to make a living," Swistock said. "I came here to make a life."

Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania is a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), the largest provider of higher education in the commonwealth. Its 14 universities offer more than 250 degree and certificate programs in more than 250 areas of study. Nearly 375,000 system alumni live and work in Pennsylvania.

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