Remembering Dennis Archey

Dennis Archey, an Associate Director of Annual Giving, passed away on Sunday. He was 60 years old. Mr. Archey stressed the importance of students on campus, developing relationships with them alongside the alumni who were the center of his professional life. His stewardship of the Phonathon fundraising drive put him in contact with many students who, like his colleagues, remember him for his vivacious personality, companionability, and mentorship.

“Dennis was an adult on campus who truly cared how students were doing,” said Anna Sagaser ’13, who met Archey through the Phonathon. She recalled one particular fundraising drive for alumni on the west coast: “We all came in our pajamas and called alumni who we usually couldn’t reach because of the time difference,” she said. “First we went to Essie Mae’s and had breakfast food together, which was a lot of fun, and then we went to the basement of Parrish to call alums.”

Archey’s co-workers also noted the respect and interest he harbored for his fellow Swarthmoreans. “His commitment to the College was exemplified in the strong relationships he forged throughout the Swarthmore community, especially with students,” said Danielle Shepherd, Director of Annual and Family Giving.

Sharples appears to have been the locus of Archey’s interactions with the campus community.

“My favorite memories of him are mostly from lunches at Sharples,” said Kara McDonald, Associate Director of Annual Giving. “Walking down the hill from Parrish with him felt like walking with a celebrity — everyone knew him and we couldn’t walk more than a few feet without him shouting out a greeting or stopping to chat.”