The Richard A. Swenson '50 Coordinator of Student Veteran Services Endowment

Inspired by his father’s extraordinary level of commitment, sacrifice, and service, as well as his own UVM experiences, David G. Swenson ’80 became a passionate supporter of the University, making his first financial contributions just a few years after graduating.

Now he is honoring his father, his grandfather, and his own experience in the military by endowing a position to support students who also come to campus after serving in the US military.  

He has established the Richard A. Swenson ’50 Coordinator of Student Veteran Services endowed staff position to make sure student veterans have knowledgeable and qualified support while on campus.

UVM’s Student Veteran Services helps student veterans and their families to navigate the complicated processes around pursuing their educations in a holistic sense, from their applications to securing funding, to finding housing that is affordable and suitable, to taking full advantage of different permutations of the GI Bill and other funding for military veterans. 

Establishing a Legacy

David's generosity was celebrated and recognized at a September 13, 2024 event in the University's historic Waterman Building Memorial Lounge, hosted by Provost Patricia Prelock and Vice Provost Jay Jacobs. 

Jay Jacobs noted:

"Today is not only a moment of celebration but also a day of deep gratitude and reflection. We are here to honor the remarkable legacy of alumnus Richard A. Swenson, as well as the extraordinary generosity of his son, David Swenson, whose support has made this day possible. The Swenson family’s commitment to UVM and to supporting our students is a shining example of what it means to give back and ensure future generations have the resources they need to succeed.

David Carlson, as the inaugural Richard A. Swenson Coordinator of Student Veteran Services, exemplifies this mission. Through his dedication, our veterans receive the guidance and resources they need to thrive both academically and personally. His work truly embodies the spirit of service and leadership the Swenson family holds dear."

In her remarks, Provost and Interim President Prelock offered:

"Today, we recognize a profound gift—one that honors service, legacy, and an enduring commitment to those who have served our country. As Provost, it is both a privilege and a responsibility to reflect on what this gift means, not only now but for the future of our institution and the veterans we are fortunate to serve. As the wife of a marine who served in the Vietnam war, I am acutely aware of the importance of recognizing the service of our veterans and creating an accessible pathway for their education.

The establishment of the Richard A. Swenson Coordinator of Student Veteran Services represents more than an investment in a staff position. It is a testament to UVM’s dedication to ensuring that those who have worn the uniform of our country are given the support they need to thrive both in civilian and academic life. It ensures that veterans and their families have a permanent advocate—a guiding hand—to help navigate the often-challenging transition from military service to college life. This role is more than a title; it is a lifeline and a promise that UVM is here to support our veterans."

After the welcome, a color guard Posted the Colors to mark the occasion.

A Combat Veteran Alum to Support Student Veterans

David Carlson ’11 is the first person to serve in the newly-endowed role. As a UVM alumnus and a combat veteran himself, he knows firsthand what it is like to have to learn to navigate higher education after life in the military.  

David served four years in the United States Marine Corps in the infantry in Iraq in 2005 and 2006, service for which he received a Certificate of Commendation for actions while under direct enemy fire.  

After his military service, David transitioned to academia. Thanks to the GI Bill, he enrolled at Community College of Vermont to “get some prerequisites out of the way,” and then was able to transfer to UVM. He excelled academically, and he also learned firsthand how challenging it can be for veteran students to navigate the complex world of education funding.

Even as a student, he was not satisfied to only address his own problems. It was as a student that he co-founded UVM’s first student veteran’s organization, committing himself to making veterans more visible and supported in the University community. 

Since graduating, David has continued to dedicate himself to serving veterans, both in Vermont and here at UVM, where his experience and compassion are helping student veterans make their own transitions from military service to academic life.

He knows what it means to have someone in this position and is himself one of the veterans who spoke about the impact of the Swenson family's generosity.

"In so many ways in the military we take care of each other," Carlson reflects. "And this is one military family taking care of a lot of other military families and making sure that they're going to have a solid support system well into the future. And that's something that David Swenson should be very proud of."

Every Philanthropic Gift Contains a Belief and a Wish

Some gifts are made in the deepest honor of people whose actions and lives made a difference. Some gifts come from a desire to make a difference in today’s world, in real time. Some are rooted in our own experiences and knowledge. Some donations are a way to provide resources for a future we can’t yet imagine.

David Swenson has created an endowment that is all of these.