Hugh Siefken

For over 35 years, Physics Professor Dr.Hugh Siefken has pursued his passion for teaching at Greenville College. This spring, Dr. Siefken made the decision to retire.

Under Dr.Siefken 's leadership, the physics department has compiled a long and distinguished record of accomplishment; 20 students currently major in physics or physics education. Part of the reason for the department 's success is his consistent encouragement of students' involvement in undergraduate research.

Siefken states,“I am extremely proud of the accomplishments of the students that I have been fortunate enough to teach.”

Dr.Siefken is also the “resident expert” in building and repairing lab equipment, including his supervision in the construction of an ion accelerator and the GC Observatory.

GC extends a hearty thank you to Dr.Siefken for all his dedication and service.

Don Sheriff

A graduate of Greenville College in 1961, with a degree in Modern Languages, Don Sheriff never imagined his life coming full circle back to Greenville.

Sheriff came back to the college in 1967 to teach French and business, later receiving his master's in international management.

“I never expected to come back, but I wanted to go to a Christian college to teach,” said Sheriff.

The impact the college made on his life drew him back. “I found fellowship with other Christians from other places to be inspiring, invigorating and helped me grow.I wanted to be in a place where that happened to other students. I saw myself as being a person who liked to teach and I felt called to do it,” said Sheriff.

Greenville College has been an environment that has grown and stretched Sheriff spiritually as well as intellectually. He enjoys the opportunities of a learning environment.

“One of the things you get to do is constantly learn. I've always thought of myself as a utility infieder, filling in where there was a need. I've taught all kinds of courses in the business area, where I had to develop expertise.”

Teaching French, one of his greatest challenges, gave Sheriff the opportunity to generate student excitement. “I try to help them see the practicality of it and the enjoyable aspects within their own life. They are learning a different culture,different ways of living,and how language affects our ways of thinking. We're all prisoners of our own language if we only know one,” said Sheriff.

Norm Swanson

Most people think that their goal in life is to get an education, get a job, and retire. It's a consumer mentality. I try to help them think of themselves as a resource manager,” says business professor Norm Swanson.

A 1971Greenville College graduate and licensed broker, Swanson has served the college in various capacities, including director of Financial Aid and director of Admissions, before becoming a Business professor in 1991. However,Swanson 's entrepreneurial attitude and hands on approach sets him apart.

“I don 't see myself as a teacher. I see myself as a business person. I've been an entrepreneur all my life,” says Swanson.

He takes his students on business tours, to annual meetings at corporations, and is a favorite among students for his role in Norm and the Nomads, a barbershop quintet. For him, stretching his students is the most rewarding part of teaching.

“It's about disciplining students to think outside their American culture. I teach them stewardship. To think of something bigger than themselves,” said Swanson.

His strength as a futurist has paid off in a solid investment strategy, but he wanted to bless the kingdom of God, which led him back to Greenville College after a successful business career. “We will give away a million on the way to saving one million. It's a lot of work and a lot of fun and the Lord has blessed us with joy, happiness, and peace.”