Longtime Meramec presence passes away
BY: JACOB POLITTE
Managing Editor
Longtime STLCC employee Kathleen Swyers passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 18. For over 20 years, she was a dedicated employee of the St. Louis Community College at the Forest Park and Meramec campuses as a Professor in Counseling, and was working on campus at Meramec just the day before she passed away, according to her colleague Troy Hansen.
“Our hearts go out to her family and friends, as well as her colleagues and the students she served at the College,” Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Christine Davis said in an email announcing the news on April 19. “Kathleen served at multiple STLCC campuses for more than 23 years, counseling students and teaching others the skill and importance of how to counsel others. Her kind words and joyful laugh will be remembered by those who worked with her.”
Counseling services were made available to those who needed it in the immediate aftermath of this situation. In addition, tributes were offered to Swyers from many of those who interacted with her at STLCC, both past and present.
“She helped me through some of the worst moments I had in my time at Meramec. She made such a massive impact on my life, it’s awful to hear she passed away so suddenly.”
– Jools Pulcher, Former STLCC student
“Irreplaceable. Kathleen epitomized warm professionalism. She was a wonderful friend and colleague, and I don’t know what I will do without her. She was who I turned to in counseling with so many needs, and she always had the answer or connection. Her last email sign off to me was so Kathleen: “Take good care, my friend.” She will be missed tremendously but never forgotten for all she did for students and this institution, her community. She truly made the world a better place.”
– Juliet Scherer, Meramec English Professor
“So many students benefited from Kathleen’s wisdom, respect, love, honesty, and genuine care. And I will not ever forget her loving friendship as she helped me through my personal losses. Kathleen, my friend, find your way to all of us and continue to guide the many who need you.”
– Teresa Symthe, Disability Support Specialist
“This makes me so sad. She was a wonderful counselor and so lovely to work with. I’ll miss her.”
– Becky Burns, Former Meramec English Professor
“I’m so sad and shocked. She was such a special person and I was so blessed to have known her the 3 short years I worked at the Meramec library. She was so happy for me when I got the promotion to go to the Forest Park library last July and wished me well. That meant so much to me. Prayers for her family, colleagues and all the many students she helped throughout the years. Rest in peace Kathleen.”
– Tami Ulreich, Library Assistant at STLCC-Forest Park
“Kathleen was a generous soul and much beloved. She helped many people in our STLCC community and will be missed.”
– Maxine Beach, Professor at STLCC-Florissant Valley
“During the pandemic some of us met regularly in the park, instead of going out to lunch, to sit socially distanced and share stories and provide each other moral support. Kathleen’s warmth and welcoming smile reached across that distance and helped create an important respite during that especially difficult time. She was so very dedicated to the STLCC community, her colleagues, and her students, showing up for us in so many little and big ways. STLCC won’t be the same without her. I will miss her so very much.”
– Sophia Pierroutsakos, Meramec Professor of Psychology, Colleague and Friend
“It is with a heavy heart that I pay tribute to a dearly loved friend and colleague, who has left us way too soon. Kathleen was a person of exceptional character and radiated kindness, compassion, and empathy toward everyone she met. I met her when she first transferred to Meramec from Forest Park, and I knew immediately we would be great friends because of her generous kindness, her contagious optimism, and her joy of life.
She spread happiness wherever she went, and always left me a more caring person any time I spent time with her. Kathleen had a way of making everyone feel better about themselves and was always willing to lend a listening ear. Her smile lit up a room and could brighten the darkest of days.
Her presence was a ray of sunshine, and her attitude of positivity was contagious. She was not only a lovable friend, but also a knowledgeable and resourceful colleague. Her input was always insightful and helpful, and her problem-solving skills were unparalleled.
She had a natural ability to connect with people and provided comfort, guidance, and support to countless individuals in need.
As I reflect on Kathleen’s life, I am grateful for the time we shared. Her memory will remain a source of inspiration and encouragement, as well as a reminder to keep returning those smiles I know she will continue to send our way, until we meet again.”
– Patty O’Hallaron Keller, Former Psychology Professor
