SWAN, John Melvin AO

SWAN John Melvin AO Monash University is deeply saddened to learn of the death on June 15, 2015, aged 91 years, of Emeritus Professor John Swan AO, who was appointed foundation Professor of Organic Chemistry in 1966. He served Monash with great distinction as its first Pro Vice-Chancellor 1971-1975, and Dean of the Faculty of Science 1976-1984, before retiring at the end of 1985. The author of two books and more than one hundred published scientific papers, Professor Swan was able, by sheer discipline and will power, to keep up his personal research in the Department of Chemistry throughout his busy years as a Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean. John Swan was widely known and admired at Monash for his boundless energy and enthusiasm, clear-sighted and vigorous leadership, innovative and imaginative management style, personal warmth, and capacity for building frank and productive relationships with colleagues. In 1994 Monash conferred on Professor Swan the degree of Doctor of Science honoris causa in recognition of his long and distinguished career in scientific research and his manifold contributions to university teaching and governance. The Monash University community acknowledges with gratitude the life and work of Professor John Swan, and on its behalf I extend my sincere sympathy to his family. _ Professor Margaret Gardner AO _ President and Vice-Chancellor