Endowed dean’s chair empowers Iowa State University Library for future service

September 24, 2025

Author: Melea Reicks Licht

The estate of Colonel Gary G. Swenson has provided a gift to endow the dean of library services position at Iowa State University, held by Hilary Seo since 2021.

The position will now be known as the Colonel Gary G. Swenson Ph.D. Dean of Library Services. Seo will be formally installed as the inaugural holder of the dean’s chair during a medallion ceremony on November 3.

“The library has long been celebrated as the heart of Iowa State University,” said Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen. “The Swensons’ generous gift will foster collaborative, innovative, and interdisciplinary services that support research and learning across campus and beyond.”

Colonel Swenson earned both his master’s and doctorate degrees in economics from Iowa State before serving in the U.S. Army for 30 years. He retired in 2005.

“Gary had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge,” said his friend, Ronald H. Groth. “He was a vociferous reader. He didn’t just skim a book; he absorbed and digested it. He could recall details he had read many years after the fact. It is only fitting that part of his legacy will forever be tied to the Iowa State University Library.”

Seo expressed deep gratitude for the gift, which will support new initiatives and programs tailored to the evolving needs of the campus community.

“This gift is especially meaningful as we conclude the year-long centennial celebration of our main location, Parks Library. The University Library has supported research and scholarship at Iowa State for more than 150 years, and the Swensons’ support will benefit future generations of students well into our next century of service.”

Colonel Gary G. Swenson Ph.D. Dean of Library Services

Colonel Gary G. Swenson Ph.D. Dean of Library Services Hilary Seo joined Iowa State in 2003 as Head of Preservation and was promoted to associate professor with tenure in 2009. She has served in numerous leadership roles including Associate Dean for Curation Services and Interim Dean of Library Services. Prior to her career at Iowa State, Seo was Preservation Librarian at the Georgetown University Law Library.

The Iowa State University Library provides world-class collections, services, and technologies in Parks Library on central campus and at the Veterinary Medical Library in Patterson Hall at the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Endowed dean’s chair empowers Iowa State University Library for future service

Gary had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. He was a vociferous reader. He didn’t just skim a book; he absorbed and digested it... It is only fitting that part of his legacy will forever be tied to the Iowa State University Library.

Colonel Gary G. Swenson Ph.D. Dean of Library Services