Marty Swett ’67 Richards and Larry Richards ’65: Supporting first-generation students

Generosity Matters is a series of spotlight stories about alumni who give back to Augustana College.

Marty Swett ’67 Richards and Larry Richards ’65 both feel “greatly blessed” by their Augustana experiences.

“We want to pass it on,” Marty said. “We would encourage others to consider their own experiences, and how being at Augie laid a foundation for our lives and work.”

Marty and Larry were first-generation college students. “Our families grew up at a time when going to college was not an option because they had to support their families,” Marty said. “There was no money for higher education after high school.”

Larry was able to pay for his education from savings from a union job, and then returning to work there during the summers. “It is unimaginable that anyone could do this at this time,” he said. “When we attended Augustana, 30% of funding came from the church. Now, very little comes from churches.”

The Richards first began giving regularly to Augustana 30 years ago. They continue to give because they are proud of their alma mater and appreciate its growth in stability and diversity over the years, including efforts to help students grow in their own belief systems. 

In honor of Augustana’s recent First Generation College Student Day, they made a gift to support current first-generation students. “We believe giving for first-generation students helps to provide for those who otherwise might not be able to come to Augustana, or might not feel comfortable at first in how to negotiate the experience,” Larry said.

After Augustana, both Marty and Larry earned a Master of Social Work from the University of Washington. Although they are officially retired from social work practice, Marty continues to be involved with the Washington State Dementia Action Collaborative. After working in a family services agency for several years, Larry bought a small manufacturing business and worked full-time until he was 73. They now live in the rural Olympic Peninsula in Washington.

For more than 55 years, the Richards have stayed in touch with Augustana friends and the college. They love the music programs, especially those they were able to access online during 2020 and 2021.

“The most important work that the Augustana community does is to expose students to a variety of courses in the liberal arts,” Marty said. “This background has served both of us well over our many years. While technology is the way of the future, high touch and broad awareness is what helps strengthen our humanity.”