Augusta A. Schwab, a longtime trustee of the College, died Aug. 12 at her home in Bryn Mawr, Pa.
A graduate of Smith College, she was involved in many community activities in the Schenectady area before moving to Bryn Mawr in 1993, including the local chapter of the American Red Cross, the Girls Club, the Child Guidance Center, the Carver Community Center, the Junior League, and the Fort Orange Garden Club. She was elected to Union's board in 1978 and became a trustee emerita in 1986. She was a devoted supporter of crew at Union, and one of the College's racing shells is named the “Augusta A. Schwab” in her honor.
President Roger Hull said, “Augie was one of the most gracious and dignified people whom I have met. Even after moving from Union and Schenctady, she remained concerned about and connected to both.”
Her family has extensive connections to the College. Her father, the Rev. H. Laurence Achilles, former director of religious education at Union, was the major benefactor of Achilles Rink. A brother, the late H. Laurence Achilles, Jr., graduated from Union in 1938, and a grandson, Peter, graduated in 1993.
Her late husband, Henry, was business manager and a director of Fullam, Inc., a science research and development firm in Colonie, N.Y. Survivors include two children, Larry and Emily, and five grandchildren, Annie, Peter, Emily, Jeremy, and Laurel.
Donations may be made in her name in support of the environment or heart, lung, or brain research.