The Richard C. Swenson Endowment for UNM-LA Student Emergency Funds held at LACF honors the legacy of local artist, physicist and philanthropist Richard Swenson. Courtesy/Vivien Chen
LACF News:
One emergency can sideline or derail a student’s road to a degree or certificate, but thanks to a new $10,000 endowment held at the Los Alamos Community Foundation (LACF) in memory of local sculptor, physicist and philanthropist Richard Swenson, funds will provide some relief to UNM-Los Alamos students facing unexpected financial hardship.
Swenson’s impact goes well beyond his metal art sculptures placed around town; he also had an unwavering dedication to education and the community. Swenson’s spouse, Vivien Chen, established this endowment to recognize her husband’s legacy.
“Richard and I could have made our donations to our alma maters (UND, UMN-NWSA, OU) or the university (LSU) where I worked my entire career,” Chen said. “Richard, however, saw a parallel in the agricultural high school he went to in the 1950s and the UNM-LA programs offered today that meet the needs of local students, including dual-credit courses to Los Alamos High School students, low-cost high-quality education for freshman and sophomore students, vocational programs and certificates.”
The award of funds will be entrusted to the UNM-LA Chancellor, who will oversee the distribution to eligible students. The potential impact of this endowment on students is profound. Students who might otherwise be forced to disrupt or abandon their studies due to financial emergencies will find a lifeline in this fund. By providing timely financial support, the endowment will enable students to remain focused on their academic goals, reduce dropout rates, and contribute to a more stable, supportive educational environment. Furthermore, the sense of security afforded by this endowment will empower students to pursue their studies with confidence, knowing that they have a safety net in times of crisis.
The LACF Richard C. Swenson Endowment for UNM-LA Student Emergency Funds is open to receiving donations from the public who wish to join Chen in meeting this critical need to help local students continue their education without interruption. All donations to the fund through September will receive a match from a Title V grant, effectively doubling the resources available and amplifying the positive impact on students in need.
About the Los Alamos Community Foundation:
Established in 2015, the mission of the Los Alamos Community Foundation is to build enduring philanthropy to empower our community’s nonprofit organizations. LACF stewards 17 permanent endowment funds and supports local nonprofits through training, initiatives and grantmaking. For more information about LACF or to contribute to a fund, visit www.losalamoscf.org.