PREPARATION FOR SERVICE: OLIVET’S INFLUENCE ON OUR LIVES
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hen Ron McSwain ’64 and Phyllis (Starner) McSwain ’63 are asked about their support of Olivet they give a quick and decisive answer: “The quality of the product Olivet produces is extraordinary,” they answer without hesitation. “It is so exciting to play a part in equipping young people with a superb education immersed in biblical Christian principals to be ready to make a difference in our world.” Ron and Phyllis feel they are living products of Olivet’s superb education. Ron majored in business and credits the entrepreneurial experience of Professor Leonard E. Anderson with equipping him to enter the University of Michigan MBA program with 30 percent advanced credit. Phyllis names Professor Virgie Stewart, a former Latin America missionary, her Spanish Instructor, as
ANNUAL REPORT 2020
a major influence in her life. “If you think something nice about someone tell them. It may be just what they need to hear,” is advice Phyllis still practices today. Ron and Phyllis first met at Olivet. Both were first generation students but with very different personalities and backgrounds. They realized God had a plan to bring them to Olivet and to eventually bring them together. Phyllis
loved the social side of college, the formal parties, drill team, and serving as a mentor. Ron was involved in student council, the Aurora, and the “O” Club, but most fondly recalls the walks to escort Phyllis back to the dorms after she closed the campus switchboard nightly. Following graduation, the McSwains moved to Flint, Michigan, where Ron worked for General Motors and attended the University of Michigan MBA program. Phyllis expanded her teaching career in Spanish and English from high school to middle school. In 1968, facing a potential transfer to the east coast, they chose instead to move back to Ron’s hometown of Cincinnati, to partner with Ron’s brother Ralph in expanding his floor covering business. Phyllis changed careers from fulltime teacher to full-time mom and “professional volunteer.” In 1970 a PBS documentary on the plight of the poor in big cities completely changed their lives when they realized it was filmed in Cincinnati. Their Goddirected purpose became
