FILE PHOTO/Arizona Daily Wildcat Humanities professor Donna Swaim interacts with a student. A lounge was dedicated in her honor in the new Student Union Memorial Center.

Since she came to UA 38 years ago, Donna Swaim has led hundreds of students on voyages all around the globe, teaching them to "look at the world in a different way."

However, for the first time in 22 years, Swaim, a humanities professor, will not be able to travel with her students this year due to health concerns.

For members of the UA community who know Swaim, the news did not come easily. Many gathered at a Faculty Fellows Speakers Series presentation titled "Life and All Its Glories," given by Swaim Wednesday.

In her lecture, 13 years after she presented the first in the series, Swaim, a senior lecturer emerita, quoted Shakespeare, Socrates and the comic strip "Mutts" as she touched on the sources of her inspiration.

Attendees at the lecture and at the ensuing dedication ceremony of a new lounge in Swaim's name in the Student Union Memorial Center warmly received her presentation. They hugged her and thanked her for the inspiration she's been to them.

"She changed me. She taught me about being alive. Everyone in this room understands what her impact is all about," said Sue Jimenez, one of Swaim's former students.

"She softens the distinction between student and teacher and gets you to look at the world in a different way," said Jessica Bates, an anthropology sophomore who traveled with Swaim to Iceland last summer.

Members of the administration were also in attendance to pay their regard to their colleague.

"Donna is someone that this institution is so proud to have," said Provost George Davis. "She is the personification of a student-centered university and a great and inspiring teacher."

The Donna Swaim Honors Lounge will be a meeting place where students and faculty can interact, will be decorated with photographs from Swaim's travels and stand as a testament to her legacy, Davis said.

While working with the UA's travel abroad program, Swaim took over 300 students to countries such as Turkey, Greece, and Morocco, among others.

"It's remarkable to have experienced the glories life has to offer," Swaim said, "If we pay attention to life and thoroughly enjoy living, there is an ability to die that is not distasteful."

Dean of Students Melissa Vito recalled being a student in Swaim's class and announced that $10,000 had been raised for Swaim's endowment for student travel.

"Students continue to be touched by her," Vito said.

Provost Davis choked back tears as he thanked Swaim and announced that he and his wife would match the $10,000 donation.

Jimenez donated $25,000 to the endowment, hoping to encourage others to contribute, she said.

Swaim thanked her family and promised that she would return to her travels.

"Things have a way of working out for me," Swaim said. "There will be more voyages of discovery."

"I may not be back by this summer, but I shall return."