Vy Swenson

A familiar face at Castleton will soon be missing.

Vy Swenson has been at Castleton for 32 years and will be retiring at the end of this semester.  

Swenson originally came to Castleton in 1974 where she majored in Special Education and Physical Education, but soon transferred.

“When tuition in 1976 went from $3,000 to $4,000, I decided to opt for the $2,200 in state tuition at UMO (University of Maine Orono), however, what I saved in tuition, I spent in gas, driving 7 hours to Castleton every other weekend,” Swenson said.

Swenson graduated from UMO and began coaching women’s soccer for one season in 1979 and women’s lacrosse in 1980.  Around 1985, she began teaching adjunct Physical Education at Castleton, while she got all certifications needed to be the SHAPE Pool Aquatic Director.  

When the pool was finished in 1990 Swenson became Aquatics Director, a position she held for 18 years.

“She was most loved by the elderly people. She made it a reason for them to come here, to get them out of their house and get them here,” said Deanna Tyson, associate dean for athletics and recreation.

 In 2007, she moved to the Alumni Relations position.  During this time, Swenson would work to encourage alumni and their families to come back to Castleton for Homecoming, while also working on class reunions.  She also worked as a liaison for the Alumni Association, and worked closely with dedicated Castleton alumni.

Liz Garside, whom she worked alongside for ten years, has nothing but thanks for Swenson.

“Thank you for your infectious laugh, your big smile, your endless energy, being such a team player, sometimes being the whole team, your abundant empathy and warmth and for being that person who is always willing to lend a hand,” Garside said.

In retirement, Swenson plans to ease into the summer and then work with her son at his new fitness business in Rutland.  She also has her grandkids: a three year old and a newborn who she is looking forward to spending time with. She, however, does not plan to go too far away from Castleton, as she expects to be around volunteering at Castleton for Homecoming and upcoming golf tournaments.  

“I don’t intend to be a stranger; I expect I won’t be missing much. The things that were the best part of my job was getting to be around people, and I am a people person. I don’t intend to stay away from people,” Swenson said.