After 20 years as a practicing attorney with the same firm, Malcolm McSwean wanted a change. That change would take the form of a new position with Troy University as a disability services coordinator for TROY Online where, today, he also assists the Student Success Team.

“When I found out about this position being open, I thought it was the perfect fit for me because I could use my legal background to help the students and the school,” the 1991 TROY grad said. “I work with some of the best people, and after all this time, I still look forward to coming in every day.”

Working with students on a daily basis, it didn’t take McSwean long to come to the decision that he wanted to give back to the University that had given so much to him.

“I decided to give to the University because I see the hardships faced by our students every day, especially the economic difficulties,” he said. “I also wanted to leave the gift in honor of my mother, Martha Ann McSwean, who graduated from Troy Teachers College in 1957. Mom taught first and second grade for 30 years, retiring in 1988. After retiring, she worked for Troy University as an adjunct, supervising student teachers in the classroom, for several years.”

McSwean’s planned gift will result in the Malcolm and Ann McSwean Scholarship, which will help Troy University graduates who are wishing to obtain a master’s degree in education from the University.

“I just wanted to do something to repay the University for the major impact it has had on my life,” he said. “My time here as a student is full of the best memories I could have, and I have friends to this day who graduated from here or are current students. Because of my mom’s substantial background in education, my interest is in teaching. I thought that giving scholarships to put excellent Troy University-educated teachers into classrooms was a great idea. When I approached my mom about it, she thought it was a wonderful choice for us both, and she was instantly on board.”

In addition to his desire to give back, McSwean says he also hopes others will make the same decision.

“With the rising costs of tuition, I hope that others make this same decision and give to the University,” he said. “Ben Franklin once said that ‘An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.’ That sentiment alone is reason enough to give to a school.”