Legacy of Dave Swalm forever entwined with MSU Dave C. Swalm was known as a self-made man who achieved international success in the petrochemical business, as well as a man who set an example of public service that few can emulate. He long will be remembered as one of the most successful graduates of the university and one of its most generous benefactors. Swalm died April 14, 2008, at his home in New Ulm, Texas, leaving behind a tremendous legacy which included support of the small towns he affectionately called home and the causes he held dear. He made lasting contributions to the quality of higher education at Mississippi State and to opportunities for students in Mississippi. The Whittier, Calif., native was 76 years old. “Dave Swalm’s life is a classic American success story and an outstanding example of the careers that have been launched at this university,” said John P. Rush, vice president for development and alumni. “He excelled in a complex business and made a second career of helping others because he was a man of vision and deep compassion.” At the age of 14, Swalm moved with his family to Brookhaven, and later graduated from Brookhaven High School in the town he called home. He worked for a year at a paper mill there before entering MSU. Continuing to work his way through school, he graduated from MSU in 1955 with a chemical engineering degree. Following graduation, Swalm was hired by Dow Chemical and subsequently held positions with Texas Butadiene and the Steuber Co. In the late 1960s, Swalm founded Texas Olefins using his entire savings of $6,000. Texas Olefins acquired Petro-Tex from Tenneco in 1984 and renamed the operation Texas Petrochemicals. The company became one of the nation’s largest privately held petrochemical companies and the largest manufacturer in the United States of butadiene, a gas used chiefly in the manufacture of rubber and paint. He sold the company in 1996 for $500 million and retired from the business world which allowed him more time to pursue his philanthropic interests. As a “thank you” for his loyal and devoted employees, about 10
percent of the company’s sale price was distributed to them in quarterly installments over a five-year period. As a long-time member of the MSU Foundation Board of Directors and of the Bagley College of Engineering Advisory Board, Swalm understood the importance of private support. His generosity to Mississippi State manifested itself in numerous ways. A $14 million gift from him made possible a 100,000-square-foot chemical engineering building and a school of chemical engineering that both bear his name. His contributions through the years included an endowed professorship and several endowed scholarships, as well as gifts in support of faculty development programs and laboratory equipment. Swalm believed in setting an example for others by giving back to communities. A $5 million gift from him established a scholarship fund for Brookhaven students at Mississippi State who major in a technical field. He further assisted the State of Mississippi by establishing an endowment for bachelor of science graduates of Jackson State University who desire to pursue an advanced degree in engineering at Mississippi State. Through a Texas-based foundation created in 1979, Swalm fulfilled his belief in giving back to communities. He provided millions in support of programs for early childhood education, victims of child abuse, survivors of domestic violence, and the homeless, among others. Swalm was Mississippi State’s National Alumnus of the Year in 1992. He was recognized with an MSU honorary doctor of science degree in 2000. Among his many accomplishments, Swalm achieved the Boy Scouts of America organization’s highest ranking of Eagle Scout. Swalm leaves behind his wife Beth, four children, 12 great grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and innumerable members of his extended Bulldog family.
“ Dave Swalm’s life is a classic American success story and an outstanding example of the careers that have been launched at this university.” Alumnus Summer 2008 49