Constance Cain Hungerford, former interim president at Swarthmore College and longtime faculty member, died May 12 at 73, writes Rita Giordano for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

“Connie brought out the best in everyone,” said a colleague, “inspiring them with her integrity and compassion to be the best person they could possibly be.”

Ms. Hungerford was an art historian. She joined the faculty in 1975, retiring last year.  

Swarthmore President Val Smith noted her tenure at Swarthmore was extraordinary, and not just for her longevity as a scholar, administrator and mentor.

“It was remarkable also because of the way she served –with grace, humility, a deep reverence for the college’s mission, and genuine care of the individuals who comprise our community.”

She was an art instructor for two years, than acting department head for six years in the 1980s and from 2017 to 2019.

Ms. Hungerford served as curator of the college’s art collections.

She was college provost for 10 years and interim college president during the 2014-15 academic year.

She returned to the classroom and taught until her retirement.

Her colleagues said Swarthmore will be forever touched by the time she spent there.

Read more at The Philadelphia Inquirer about the life of Constance Hungerford.

Here is a Swarthmore College video of Constance Cain Hungerford speaking at the college’s 2015 Commencement.