Connie Swiner III arrived at William & Mary in 1977. During his time at William & Mary he served as the President of Alpha Phi Alpha, and was a member of the Biology Club, Ebony Expressions, the Black Students Organization, and the Affirmative Action Committee.

Swiner graduated early in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and went on to get his doctoral degree in Medicine at Howard University. He pursued a career in medicine, as is currently working as an anesthesiologist in Chicago. He also served on the Board of Directors at William & Mary’s Swem Library from 2010 to 2013.

In his interview, Swiner speaks about the moments of solitude walking through the campus and Colonial Williamsburg that broke up a rigorous academic experience as a biology major. Memories of his time as a TA for Comparative Anatomy, of being a member of Ebony Expressions, and of receiving the parental support of staff persons in housekeeping and the cafeteria stand out in particular. Connie has remained involved with William & Mary, stating that: “I still love the school. So I give back. I go back to visit all the time. Because had it had a negative impact, they wouldn’t see a red from me. But obviously that’s not the case.”