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SMU mourns loss of beloved former vice president
James E. Caswell, former vice president for student affairs at Southern Methodist University, spent nearly five decades at SMU as a student, teacher and administrator. Caswell, a national leader in the student affairs profession, retired in May 2007. He died Oct. 22 at age 66.
"Jim Caswell devoted his professional life to the well-being of our students, providing them with a campus experience that would strengthen their educational and personal development," said SMU President R. Gerald Turner.
"As an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church, he exemplified the values of our religious heritage and served as official liaison to the Church," Turner added. "Generations of students benefited from his leadership, thoughtfulness, and caring manner. They showed their appreciation by honoring him with many University service awards, and have stayed in touch with him as a friend and mentor. We will miss his presence among our University family, but his impact on our campus will endure. Our heartfelt prayers go to his family and other loved ones."
It is estimated that, starting from the time he first worked as a graduate residence hall director, he would have touched the lives of nearly 40,000 SMU students, out of SMU's alumni population of 100,000.
A memorial service celebrating his life was held Thursday, Oct. 25, at Highland Park United Methodist Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Jim Caswell Endowment for Leadership Development and Training at SMU or the American Cancer Society. For more information on the Leadership endowment, contact Bonner Allen at 214-768-2986, by e-mail at bonnera@smu.edu, or at SMU Box 750305, Dallas, TX 75275.
"Jim Caswell devoted his professional life to the well-being of our students, providing them with a campus experience that would strengthen their educational and personal development," said SMU President R. Gerald Turner."As an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church, he exemplified the values of our religious heritage and served as official liaison to the Church," Turner added. "Generations of students benefited from his leadership, thoughtfulness, and caring manner. They showed their appreciation by honoring him with many University service awards, and have stayed in touch with him as a friend and mentor. We will miss his presence among our University family, but his impact on our campus will endure. Our heartfelt prayers go to his family and other loved ones."
It is estimated that, starting from the time he first worked as a graduate residence hall director, he would have touched the lives of nearly 40,000 SMU students, out of SMU's alumni population of 100,000.
A memorial service celebrating his life was held Thursday, Oct. 25, at Highland Park United Methodist Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Jim Caswell Endowment for Leadership Development and Training at SMU or the American Cancer Society. For more information on the Leadership endowment, contact Bonner Allen at 214-768-2986, by e-mail at bonnera@smu.edu, or at SMU Box 750305, Dallas, TX 75275.
I had the opportunity to work with Jim during the last two years in my role with the SMU Dad's Club. Jim was an outstanding leader, teacher and person. He achieved the respect of everone he came in contact with because he was such a kind, humble and sincere gentleman. His contributions will be missed. I am proud to have known him.
John Custer & Family
I am stunned. I moved back to Texas last year and kept meaning to take Jim to lunch. On the phone, he never mentioned he was ill -- I kept putting off that lunch because of my "busy" schedule. That was so like him, not to mention his own problems and concerns. Jim was one of the most compassionate people I have ever known. I am so sorry for his family that he was taken so young, and I'm sorry that an important fixture in the SMU community is gone. I am so sad today. Jim was devout, and I know he is with angels now. Goodbye, sir. Patrick Sutton, '87.
I first met Jim in 1972 when I was an undergraduate student. He was a kind, gentle and fair minded guy. When my son became a Mustang in 2004, Jim carved out time from his busy schedule and invited my son to his office for a chat and an informal welcome to the SMU community. Jim was a thoughtful, compassionate, soft-spoken human and I sit in gratitude for his contributions to SMU and for his generosity to me and my family. His life made a difference. Sandra Plowman Kraus ('76,'80)
Jim was one of the friendiest, totally honest, and most loyal SMU supporter that I have ever known. He was a valued member of Phi Gamma Delta (Fiji) both as an undergraduate and a graduate. He served on the board of the national chapter as President and his smile was always there, even in some trying times in recent history. His glass was always "half-full". All Fijis (and others) should raise their glasses high and toast this loyal friend. Perge! Charlie Martin, SMU '63
Jim has been a part of my SMU experience since I was an SA and RA in the early '70s. He has been a genuine friend and advocate for students and alumni. I never felt I was imposing when I called Jim for advice or to get help resolving a problem.
Jim Caswell was a class act, a gentleman's gentleman and most of all a gentle human being whose presence was felt at the personal level in a one-on-one meeting as well as the at an organizational level with SMU and elsewhere.
We should all aspire to be the kind of person Jim Caswell was.
Jim you will be sorely missed by me and all who knew you.
Michael R. Lanham, 1975
Jim was such a great person to work for in the office and as an RA. He was inspirational to all of us, supportive of each of us, and a wonderful human being. I am so sad that he is gone and I feel so blessed to have known him. I feel like he mentored me in so many ways to be the adult I have become.
Laura Banks, 1973
When I think of Jim Caswell, so many words come to mind . . . intelligent, kind, caring, concerned . . . All of us who were fortunate enough to have crossed his path while students at SMU are better persons today because we knew him. To Jim, everyone was important. Jim had the gift of making everyone feel special. He was one of the most genuine human beings I have ever known.
Jim, you will be sorely missed . . .
Cindy Swan Dunne
SMU '81
Dr. Caswell was a warm, welcoming presence at SMU when I entered there as a freshman in 1967 and knew no one. He always remembered names and that registered with this country boy from rural Missouri. It has been said, "Anyone can impress others, but it takes someone special to impact them." Jim Caswell was a warm, personal touch in higher education and a model/mentor for others to follow. To his family and loved ones we say thanks for sharing him with us.
Winston K. Cook, M.Div., MSW
Class of '71
Jim Caswell was a warm and wonderful man and a brilliant Dean of Students. He had the uncanny ability to handle every situation in just the right way. He took his job seriously but not himself, and he always knew when to use humor to lighten up difficult situations. He was open and honest, and he treated students like adults (or, at least, as adults in training). If that figure of 40,000 is correct regarding the number of lives he would have touched at SMU, every one of us is better for it.
John Hollar '76
I recently graduated and remember hearing that Mr. Caswell would be retiring from SMU. While I did not know him on a deeper level, I was saddened that the SMU would be missing one of the best student advocates. Learning of his illness and death affected me deeply. It is amazing that even though I did not know him on a personal level, his light burned so brightly that even those on the perimeter felt loss when it went out. He was truly a great man.
Jim Caswell and SMU are inseparable to me. They always will be. The contribution Jim made to the quality of student life had a profound effect on me and shaped me in ways that are difficult to express. My experiences as an SA, RA, and Hall Director were important to who I have become. The speed with which the disease took Jim is sobering and a reminder to all of us of what we know, but sometimes forget - that life is precious, is a gift and that we each have the opportunity to live the moments we have fully, and with purpose, as Jim did.
Dr. Caswell was a professional and a gentleman. I spoke with him a few weeks before his retirement and was shocked to read this news. My condolences go out to his family, ministry, and those who enjoyed his company at SMU. He will be missed.
The first day of class my freshman year, I received a phone call from Dr. Caswell's office asking if I'd like to meet him and have lunch. You see, my last name was Caswell, too. He remarked that we may somehow be related, and even if not, we should surely get to know one another. I was petrified walking into the Dean of Student Life's office that day, but from the moment he shook my hand I felt instantly at ease and we had a wonderful first conversation. We weren't related, but he told me I should feel that I could come to him with any problem and wanted to be my friend and mentor.
Throughout my undergraduate experience, "Uncle Jim" as we liked to joke that I could call him, was always there for me with sage advice and a caring smile. He really listened to me, not just as a student, but as a young adult coping with complex issues.
The SMU community was so fortunate he decided to devote so much of his life to his alma mater. I know I was. Not many of us can say we've lived in such service to others. But that was Jim. He was an incredible man, and he will be truly missed.
Erica Caswell Myers '88
This post has been removed by a blog administrator.
Dr. Caswell was not only in touch with students on campus, but off campus as well. We had many wonderful conversations about our fraternity days, and I will miss him deeply. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and the entire SMU community.
Craig Lucie '04
My condolences to Dr. Caswell's family. It amazes me how well we all recall our days with him. He and Emmie Baine made a formidable pair working tirelessly on behalf of students, always helping us to contribute and learn. Lynn Stanley Thompson '81,'82
Dr. Caswell was one of the first people I met at SMU. He did my scholarship interview and in the process sold me on attending SMU---if people like him were administrators how could I go anywhere else? My first day of class I saw him on the quad and he remembered me by name and I knew I had made the right decision. I was also lucky enough to be a student in his leadership class--- he really didnt need a curriculum, all you had to do was watch him to learn how to be a leader. He had a wonderful spirit and gave true meaning to mustang pride. He was caring, generous, and the epitome of a leader. I will miss him dearly. All for SMU, Lyndsey Hummert Hill '05
I am nearly without words... Dean Caswell was the essence of a gentleman. God must have needed a Dean of Angels.
Andrew-John Fox '88.
Dr. Caswell was always inspiring to me. He always made time to talk- whether it was student org. work, to talk about his leadership class which I took, or to just talk about what was going on in my life. He opened his home up over dinner with our class to discuss leadership on a deeper/intimate level. He was a true leader at SMU, and he will be greatly missed! My deepest condolences~
I was an SMU employee for several years in the Wellness Department. Jim Caswell was my supervisor's, immediate "boss"; therefore, I was in his presence frequently and spoke with him often when he would visit/call our office or attend our department events such as our annual Wellness Extravaganza and Luncheon. He always made me feel very comfortable. To learn of this news was more than a shock, considering the circumstances as to why I departed the university. He was a very mild and easy going type of individual. I'm sure the Wellness department will miss him tremendously. I pray that his family and friends are strong and Mr. Jim Caswell is enjoying his new life in Heaven.
Carvena L. Harris
I am so saddeened by this news. Jim was one of the best in student affairs and the interfraternal movement. His integrity and advocacy of students were an example to us all. He will be sorely missed by those of us in student affairs and the fraternity movement. I think back on the NIC prayer breakfasts we shared together as fond memories.
Don Gehring
Professor Emeritus
Bowling Green State University
Dr. Caswell touched so many people in so many different ways. I am so fortunate to have known him during my time as a SMU student and glad to have worked with him when I was the senior class president. He was such an important part of student life and the University flourished under his watch. He wanted nothing more than the best for others. His love of life and God was reflected in the way that he interacted with all and I hope to live a life that parallels his in that regard. Dr. Caswell, you will be missed. SMU is so lucky to have had you for so long. Thank you for everything. Please watch out for us from up above and God Bless you.
Adam, SMU '07.
I had the great pleasure to work with Dr. Caswell over the past three years at SMU. As I have moved on this year to a new institution I am still quoting him and sharing my experiences with students I work with now. His committment to students was unparrelled by any other VP I have worked with. He was never to busy to meet with students or to stop and talk to them on campus. I remember one my first weeks as a Hall Director in Shuttles Hall I received a call from Dr. Caswell telling me that he had gone to eat lunch in the dining hall and had seen a student sitting alone, eating lunch and looking sad. Dr. Caswell abandoned his lunch plans and had lunch with this student. He called me directly after lunch to let me know that I should follow up with this student and to let him know how she was doing periodically. That is just how he was. I was so fortunate to know him.
Dave Roberts
Dear Caswell family:
How truly sorry I am to hear of Jim's passing. He was such a joy and blessing to those of us who knew him. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
With deepest sympathy,
Gayle Maurin
New York, NY
I fondly recall meeting with Dr. Caswell many times in his office, windmill statuettes to my left, a big, open window overlooking Florence Hall to my right. He was always considerate; ever willing to sit down with the students and talk about the problems they were facing. He may not have agreed with everyone all of the time, but he always took the time to listen, which is something that seems to be missing from our world at the moment.
I was saddened to learn of Dr Caswell's passing, and I hope to honor his memory by continuing along the path he created. He dedicated his life to knowledge and service. Let us live out his memory and pass his message along.
So long Dr. C. You will be missed.
Dr. Caswell's Memorial today was testimony to his life of service. It was a fantastic celebration of life and how one man can make a difference.
All will not be right in the world until the Board and President Turner name a building on Bishop after Dr. Caswell.
From the moment I stepped on campus and met Dr. Caswell for the first time, I was impresed. His dedication to students, student life, and the value of an SMU experience were one of the pillars of my experience.
He was passionately dedicated to student involvement in the experience - from including students across all levels of the university.
He generously gave of himself, his family, and his life to make this experience better for everyone. It is a sad day for the school to lose such a phenomenal leader.
He will be truly missed.
Heidi Kuglin '03
Jim always made you feel like you were the most important person in the room.
My memory of Jim goes back to 1967 when he was the Morrison-McGinnis Dorm Director. I'm afraid that 3rd floor McGinnis was not the best behaved group of freshmen guys on campus and we gave him plenty of opportunities to practice both his patience and his student development skills.
Twenty five years later I asked him to do me the favor of baptizing our daughter.
I had the privilege of being a colleague and friend of Jim's for 35 years. I would take advantage and drop in on him now and then, just for a chat. He always made time for me. He listened with great care. And, he always had the well fare of SMU students foremost in his thinking.
I always looked forward to getting an update on his family and sharing an update on my family.
I miss Jim very much.
With love and sympathy to his family.
John Hall, '71
Cheryl Hall, '73
Katelyn Hall, 2015
Dr. Caswell was an inspiration to the students at SMU. He served as a mentor and coach to me, as well as many others, during my tenure at SMU. Thank you Dr. Caswell for your leadership, guidance and inspiration.
With deep admiration,
Melinda Morrison Gulick
BA 1995
The SMU community lost one of its brightest stars the day Jim Caswell passed away. My fondest memory is when Carol Harder and I presented him with his old 20 year photo from the wall of the 3rd floor in Perkins Admin Bldg. Carol Harder and I got a great chuckle and I believe he did as well.
Jim, you will always have a place in the heart of SMU.
LW
Jim was a wonderful, genuine man who made it a point to be involved in student life and was also very kind in every encounter I had with him. I graduated last year and so my memories are quite fresh. I really got to know him when I was a Student Trustee on the Board and Jim was a member as well. He always had some great insights and had a great sense of humor as well. =) I will miss him and look up to him as a role model for all the selfless roles he's played. He will continue to inspire SMU and students in the future. His spirit will live on.
It was such an honor and pleasure to know Dr. Jim Caswell as he helped my older brother at SMU in the late 60's, and then, me in the early 70's. He was revered in our home, and these many years later, it was a privilege to attend his retirement celebration, and it was a privilege to attend his memorial service and stand with so many others who loved him and respected him. We will always remember him with great admiration and genuine high regard for such a fine, Christian man. A fitting tribute should be established and named for him on the beautiful campus of SMU. Deepest sympathy to the family. T. Gentry Klembara '76.
I came to SMU at 30 years of age thinking I knew everything about student development. As many have said, he taught students and staff with a gentle hand that there is always much more to learn.
Student Activities wanted to have a "Casino Night" as part of Orientation Week. We thought it was an attractive program that would keep new students on campus. When the proposed schedule reached Jim, he said "no." Through several communications, I tried to explain why this was the "right" program. Finally, Jim invited me to his office. He pulled out the Methodist Book of Discipline to show me the passage that opposed gambling. Now that I understood where he was coming from, we talked until we came up with the idea of a "games night" that would include casino games but also other games such as Twister (which turned out to be a real favorite of the students). He could have said no and left it at that, but it was important to him that I understood and learned from the situation.
There was never a doubt that Jim loved SMU and cared about the staff with which he worked. He was a collegue more than a boss and a friend more than the Vice President.
He has changed many people as well as SMU.
Kathy Rowe
1982 - present
When trying to decide what to write, these things came to mind: In the almost 10 years I was Dr Caswell’s assistant, about once a week someone would say I had the best job on campus. Jackie told me she had never heard him raise his voice. He was on my very short list of the world’s sweetest people. He was the epitome of a gracious gentleman. When I count my blessings, his presence in my life is way up there toward the top of the list. When I wrote him notes, I started with, “Dear Gem.…”
CHarder
Dr. Jim Caswell was more than a class act, he wrote the curriculum and taught the class on a wide range of subjects: leadership, integrity, honesty, and authenticity just to name a few. Dr. Caswell taught me so much about what it meant to work within Student Affairs and within ministry, the most important lessons being how to combine the two, how to really listen to others, and how to ask the right questions. As David Roberts wrote, I cannot remember how often during my tenure as a Hall Director in Shuttles and McElvaney I recieved calls from Dr. Caswell that raised a concern about a student with whom he had a personal connection. He truly cared for the students of SMU and for their success beyond their four years at this institution. It really goes without saying that Dr. Caswell's presence will be missed at SMU and throughout the field of Student Affairs but I will say it anyway. Prayers go out to his family at this time.
Kyle Roberson
You know how sometimes bad things seem to happen and remind us that life is fragile? We turn on the news and hear sad stories about passing too young or people not getting a fair chance at life. Those stories can make you question everything from the ground up, they can make you disbelieve.
Jim was the exact opposite. Jim was every bit good news. He was the smile that made me question why anyone could be a nonbeliever. He was the steadfast resolution that made me believe in Good. He was the daily reminder that if a man wanted to live with true, honest to God character... he could. But more, he made me expect that honest, goodwilling, faithful diligence from the man I saw in the mirror each day.
Jim, you were the champion of the righteous, the defender of the unsung, the reality of our idealism. But at the end of the day... you were our friend.
I love the image and idea that "God must have needed a Dean of Angels." (Andrew-John Fox)
See you later Dr. Caswell,
Dale Vaughn
SMU 06
I had the pleasure of taking a leadership course with Jim. Oddly enough, one of the most memorable assignments for me was when we were asked to write our own obituaries. Specifically, we had to tell what we'd be most remembered for. Dr. Caswell completed the assignment along with the class. From what I can remember, he was much too modest. I am CERTAIN that his memory will be greater than he could have ever imagined -- a wonderful mentor, student advocate, visionary and proud husband and father (I can so vividly remember him sharing the news that his son had landed a role in the show J.A.G.). He is and will be missed, SMU will not be the same without him.
- Kimberly Wise, Class of 2001
Jim Caswell was a man of great integrity and significance. I met him while interviewing for my first position at SMU as a Hall Director and through his influence, I decided on SMU. He was a mentor, a friend, and someone from whom I drew inspiration. His love for his work and his faith are things I will never forget. He was a pillar and will be missed. Many blessings to his family, his legacy will live on in the hearts of many, many people.
Jessica Bowman
I remember meeting Dean Caswell in 1967, prior to school starting when I moved into the freshman dorm (Cockrell) at SMU. He was most welcoming and helped me instantly feel at home at SMU. Later as a sophomore advisor and as a resident advisor (RA) I had the opportunity to get to know him even better. SMU could not have had better representation to students and the outside world than Jim Caswell. He will be dearly missed by all of us who had any contact with him. He leaves behind a special legacy. Boyd Lyles '71
It is difficult to put into words the enormity of the positive impact that Jim had on students and colleagues. I was proud to be his Dean of Students for 8 years and watch and learn from him. There has never been a more devoted and caring advocate for students. He always wanted to give the "rag-nots" another chance. He loved SMU and on my first day on the job gave me a history of SMU that I still have. My deepest condolences go out to Jackie, James and Ben. Jim will be missed and never forgotten. When we think about the "Dean's Dean," he will always be the role model we all aspire to. He lives on in our hearts and our spirits.
Patricia S. Terrell
I was one of several people to serve on the resident dorm staff under Jim's direction. I was in Boaz Hall in the year 1971-72. Jim was truly an inspiration and teacher. I thought when I left seminary that I might want to be in student affairs because I saw Jim do it so well; I wanted to imitate him. My year with him and the strong staff he had at that time was one of the highlights of my time at SMU. I am grateful for the way he offered me an opportunity to work with some outstanding students and people.
Mike Campbell
Perkins, SMU 'M. Th., '74, D. Min. '77
I was saddened to learn only recently of Jim's passing. He was a wonderful mentor and friend in many ways during my years at SMU from 68-71. Jim was insightful, caring and honest. I am greatful for his touch on my life.
I add my admiration to the huge bouquet of love for Dean Caswell. He was in my life in the early 70s, as well, when I was an RA. I remember singing:
Dean-y Caswell, you're the one,
You make dorm time lots of fun,
Dean-y Caswell we're awfully fond of you, Bo Bo Bo Dee Oh
Dean-y Caswell, joy of joys,
When we squeeze you, you make noise,
Dean-y Caswell you're our very best friend, it's true!
(All sung to the tune of "Rubber Ducky", of course)
Like everyone else, I remember him fondly - I even think of his first name as Dean...perfectly fitted he was for his role! The truth and core Light & Love of this loving fine spirit is still here, bringing us together, as usual, and I am grateful.
Jim and I were at Perkins at the same time, albeit he was a Senior and I was a Junior. We were in the same UMC Annual Conterence. Jim was always one I could look up to in all things. He was certainly one who made his father, Bervin Caswell, proud. The church and the university will be at a loss without him. Our prayers continue to be with his family.