May 8, 1998

After nearly 50 years of dedicated teaching, Sister Mary Grace Swift moves on

by Anna Landreneau, A’98, Intern in the Offices of Public Affairs and Publications

When Sister Mary Grace Swift, OSU, speaks on historical topics, her eyes light up and her sense of enthusiasm is passed on to those listening to her. Suzanne Naquin, a senior at Loyola and student of Russian history, says that’s because Swift has been to most places that she teaches about and incorporates her experiences into her teaching.

Indeed, Swift who is retiring after the spring semester and has taught history at Loyola since 1966, has traveled the world researching and writing. Her articles have been published in both dance and religious journals, such as Dance Magazine and Catholic Digest among others, as well as publishing four books, The Art of the Dance in the U.S.S.R.; A Loftier Flight, The Life and Accomplishments of Charles-Louis Didelot; Balletmaster and Belles and Beaux on Their Toes, Dancing Stars in Young America; and With Bright Wings: A Book of the Spirit. She has recently completed her fifth book, a biography of Grand Duchess Elizabeth, sister of Alexandra, the last Empress of Russia, and will be looking to find a publisher. Swift, who loves to experiment with cooking, also had her recipe, Sweet Potato-Eggnog Casserole, featured in Southern Living magazine.

She was inspired in grade school to join the Ursuline Sisters, and was assigned as a member of the teaching order to teach high school history. Her love for Russian history came about when the United States promoted Russian language, history, and political science by offering subsidized study after interest in Russia was spurred by the Sputnik space mission.

Her passion for Russian dance and history is evident when she speaks of her love for the ballet since she was a child living in the depression era and when she relates what it feels like to hold the actual love letters between the Czar Nicholas and the Czarina Alexandra in her hands in the Russian archives. Her eyes shine as she speaks of the grandeur of the Russian ballet and how even the finery of Mardi Gras can not compare to the ball gowns adorned by diamonds, sapphires, and gold or to the dress uniforms worn by the Russian soldiers.

Swift leaves behind a rich legacy of students and faculty members who were inspired by her teaching. She will be remembered by the students who came to appreciate precise requirements of study in her history courses and by the students who enjoyed those classes so well that they went on to take two and sometimes three classes with her, attesting to her inspirational teaching methods. She also will be remembered by the history department faculty who hate to see her go, appreciate why she must, and remember all of the projects and committees she devoted her time and attention to.

There is no doubt that Swift will continue to research, to write, and to care about her former students and colleagues, but she also is ready to retire and take a little time for herself–to travel or to garden or to simply rest. Surveying the mound of papers covering her desk–research on her latest book completed–Swift allows, “I’m tired.” It is doubtful that Swift will slow down too much, however, for as she puts it, “In writing one book, you see avenues to pursue others.”