Development
Business
September 28, 2018
George E. Swindells ‘55, Regent Emeritus of the University of Portland and a longtime institutional supporter, passed away Wednesday, September 26 at the age of eighty-five. He is survived by his wife, Susan Hawes Swindells.
“George and his wife Susie have been dear friends and generous supporters of the University of Portland for many years,” said University President Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C. “Swindells Hall is part of the lasting legacy George leaves his alma mater. We will miss him greatly.”
The Swindells made the lead gift for the University of Portland’s 41,000-square-foot science facility in 1999. At the time of its construction, the $10.8 million Swindells Hall was one of the nation’s first environmentally sensitive buildings. “My vision for this science hall is a place where fact and opinion don't hold equal weight. A place that will help give our community a better perspective on truth and fiction,” George told the audience at the building’s dedication.
Today Swindells Hall, the University's interactive laboratory facility, houses numerous laboratories for teaching and research, as well as faculty offices and a seminar room.
George and Susie further supported the University by establishing a scholarship in the Pamplin School of Business and providing a leadership gift for the construction of the Rev. E. William Beauchamp, C.S.C., Recreation & Wellness Center.
In 2009, George Swindells was named one of the “Significant 75,” a collection of seventy-five significant business alumni the Pamplin School of Business proudly inducted into its inaugural Hall of Fame class in honor of the School’s seventy-fifth anniversary celebration.
George Swindells was the son of the late William Swindells, Sr., and Irene Gerlinger Swindells. After graduating from Lincoln High School in Portland, he received his B.A. in Business Administration from the University of Portland in 1955. A member of the Alpha Kappa Psi Honor Society and the Air Force ROTC during his years at UP, he would go on to serve in the United States Air Force in France for two years.
Following service to his country, George returned to Portland to become Vice President of Sales at Willamette Industries, his family’s forest products company with facilities in the United States, France, Mexico, and Ireland. After his retirement, he devoted his time to philanthropy, travel, and private investment.
George was preceded in death by his parents, his sister-in-law Ann J. Swindells, and his niece Jean Baton Swindells. He is survived by his wife Susie, brother William Swindells (Anne), son Ted Swindells (Phyllis), daughter Libby Swindells Hulsey (Zachary) and five grandchildren he adored: Phillip E. Swindells, William E. Swindells, George T. Hulsey, Elizabeth H. Swindells and Peyton I. Hulsey, as well as five nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 4:00 pm Tuesday, November 20th at Keawala'i Congregational Church, 5300 Makena Road, Makena, Maui.
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