Bill and Tracey Swanson, with their combined 71 years of service to Widener University, came to the university at a fortuitous time when it was expanding its physical plant and graduate programs, writes Colin Ainsworth for the Daily Times.

Swanson had worked for Sun Ship for 12 years but was laid off when the shipyard was sold. He joined the university’s grounds crew in 1981 and has been part of the maintenance department’s carpenters shop since 1985.

His wife joined in 1985 as a clerk typist for the School of Nursing. Tracey has served as administrative assistant to the Dean of Nursing since 1991.

The couple jointly retired in July.

“Retirement’s going to be great; of course I’m going to miss everybody here … Widener’s treated us so good,” Bill said.

“Everyone has to take each day and make the best of it. You never know if you have tomorrow, so you take today and hold onto it and be blessed,” said Tracey.

The university recognized the Swansons as outstanding support staff with the William David Eckard Jr. Award for Distinguished Service. Tracey received the award in 2009 and Bill in 2018.

Read more about this retiring couple’s Widener University experience here.

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