San Jose State University Professor Joe Swan, 78

 

SAN JOSE, CA (March 14, 2008) - Retired San Jose State University photojournalism professor Joe Swan, 78, died at home March 9 after a long battle with diabetes. The popular professor, who became the first tenured professor in the SJSU photojournalism program, taught at the School of Journalism from 1963 until he retired in 1991.

Swan was an NPPA Life Member who joined the organization in 1962.

The SJSU student newspaper, the Spartan Daily, reports that Swan had both legs amputated and was on dialysis due to complications from the disease, and about a month ago the professor decided to stop dialysis knowing what the outcome of such a decision lead to.

After two years of college at Howard Payne University in Brownwood, TX, Swan joined the Army to participate in a journalism program that had soldiers work at different base newspapers. After four years, including serving in the Korean War, Swan returned to Howard Payne where he graduated with an English degree.

Swan and his wife, Laura, moved to San Jose and he was hired at SJSU in 1962, the Spartan Daily reports. Swan taught reporting, editing, photojournalism, and advised the yearbook and student newspaper staffs.

Several colleges established NPPA student chapters in the mid-1970s, and Swan's students at SJSU were among the first student chapters established circa 1974-75.

Three of Swan's former students have gone on to win individual or team Pulitzer Prizes during their careers: Steve Starr (Associated Press, 1970), Doug Parker (Times-Picayune, 2006), and Kim Komenich (San Francisco Chronicle, 1987).

Swan is survived by his daughter, Debbie Gorman.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, March 29, 2008, at 11 a.m. at the Almaden Hills Methodist Church, 1200 Blossom Hill Road, San Jose, CA.

 

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