Gustavo “Gus” Schwed ’84 Named Next Chair of Swarthmore College Board of Managers
Schwed will serve as vice chair until Koof Kalkstein ’78 concludes his term as chair on June 30, 2026.
The Swarthmore College Board of Managers recently appointed Gustavo “Gus” Schwed ’84 as its next chair. As part of the leadership transition, Schwed will serve as vice chair for the coming academic year before stepping into the role of chair on July 1, 2026. In the meantime, Harold “Koof” Kalkstein ’78 will continue as chair until the end of the 2025–26 academic year. Kalkstein, who has served as a Manager since 2008, will remain on the Board after concluding his term as chair.
Schwed is a professor of management practice at New York University’s Stern School of Business, where he has received the school’s distinguished teaching award and has twice been named professor of the year. He also teaches as a visiting professor at Princeton University. Before entering academia, Schwed was a managing director at Providence Equity Partners and Morgan Stanley and served on numerous corporate and nonprofit boards including, among others, Oliver Scholars, a nonprofit that supports high-achieving underserved students in New York City.
A longtime volunteer leader and dedicated alumnus, Schwed served on the Board from 2010 to 2022 and returned in 2024. As a student at Swarthmore, he majored in economics and graduated with High Honors before earning an MBA. from Stanford University.
“I’m deeply honored by the Board’s confidence and grateful for the chance to serve the College in this new capacity,” said Schwed. “There is no shortage of challenges facing higher education, but I believe Swarthmore is well positioned to navigate them with integrity and purpose. I look forward to working with Koof, President Smith, my fellow Managers, and the broader Swarthmore community to support the College’s mission and values.”
Kalkstein praised Schwed’s long-standing commitment to the College and his thoughtful leadership.
Sujatha Srinivasan ’01 concluded her term as vice chair on June 30 and will remain on the Board.
“Gus brings a wealth of experience and insight to the role,” said Kalkstein. “He’s approached our work with humility, clarity, and an appreciation for Swarthmore’s mission. I’m excited to partner with him during this transition and to see him lead the Board into the future.”
President Valerie Smith also welcomed Schwed’s appointment.
“Gus is a principled and collaborative leader who cares deeply about Swarthmore and its values,” she said. “I’m grateful for Koof’s continued leadership and excited to work with Gus in this new role as we work to advance the College’s priorities.”
Sujatha Srinivasan ’01 concluded her term as vice chair on June 30, though she will remain on the Board. Kalkstein praised her thoughtful, collaborative approach to helping guide the Board’s work.
“Sujatha’s good judgment, integrity, and generous spirit have made her a valued partner in leadership,” said Kalkstein. “I’m thankful for all she’s contributed as vice chair and look forward to continuing our work together on the Board.”
