DARLENE SWARTZ, BHSU EMERITUS FACULTY, WILL BE THE 2021 SWARM DAY PARADE MARSHAL

Dr. Darlene Swartz has been selected as the Parade Marshal for the upcoming Black Hills State University Swarm Day Parade, which will begin Saturday, Sept. 25 at 10 a.m. 

As a professor at BHSU, Swartz taught numerous early childhood education classes, practicum classes, guidance classes, methods classes and supervised student teachers. She worked with the South Dakota Department of Education and Cultural Affairs to establish early childhood standards and developed the Early Childhood/Special Education degree program at BHSU.

Swartz also worked to incorporate the latest technological concepts in her teaching. She received a Governor’s Grant Award to integrate computer technology and software into the courses she taught. A dedicated faculty member, Swartz was involved with University councils and committees and held memberships in several professional education associations. She has also served as a consultant to Rural American Initiatives with their Early Head Start Program and the Region 11 Program for Infant Toddler Care.

Through her involvement in several community organizations, networks, centers and agencies concerned with the education of young children, Swartz has maintained her dedication to teaching and learning and has earned the distinction of role model for early childhood instruction.

After her nomination Swartz expressed her thanks for the honor of being named Swarm Days Parade Marshal. “Since my retirement in 2002, I have been staying in contact with BHSU students attending their concerts and other events, seminars, art displays and of course having lunch at the Student Union. This past year has been difficult because of the COVID virus. Being selected as Parade Marshal has made me feel part of the BHSU community again.”

Swartz will lead the BHSU Swarm Days Homecoming Parade scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 25 at 10 a.m. For a listing of all Swarm Days events, visit www.BHSU.edu/SwarmDays.