Henry J. Swanker ’31, professor emeritus of chemistry, died Nov. 16, 2007, at the Ellis Center for Long Term Care. He was 96.
Prof. Swanker, who was with the College from 1942 to 1976, also served as director of Institutional Studies, assistant to the dean of faculty, director of Alumni Relations and Placement, and vice president for External Affairs. He served as editor of Union College Review.
A Schenectady native, he attended city schools before enrolling at Union, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in 1931, and a master’s in 1932. He also earned a master’s degree from Albany State University in 1941.
He taught math and science at Schenectady schools and the Vincentian Institute.
As a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he returned to the College to teach naval navigation under the V-5 program. After the war, he stayed on as a faculty member of the chemistry department.
He received the Alumni Gold Medal and the Faculty Meritorious Service Award from the Alumni Council.
He is survived by his wife, Esther Morey Swanker.
Arrangements were with the Jones Funeral Home, 1503 Union St., Schenectady, 12309.