Jim Caswell, center, pauses for a photo Wednesday at a reception honoring his tenure at SMU. He is retiring at the end of May. (Sarah Acosta)

Dr. Jim Caswell was honored in a reception on Wednesday celebrating his more than 40 years of dedicated service to SMU.

Caswell first came to SMU as a student in 1959 and continued his involvement with the university when he began working in the Student Affairs Division in 1967. For the past 19 years, he has served as the vice president for Student Affairs.

In the Umphrey Lee Ballroom, the reception began with a line forming out the door to greet and shake the hands of Caswell and his wife, Jackie. President R. Gerald Turner started with a short speech thanking Caswell.

“Jim has blessed the lives of so many students that have come through here,” said Turner.

Class Council Members Gabe Travers and Liz Healy were given the opportunity to express their feelings for Caswell. Healy spoke of the many reasons he’s loved.

“We love the constant love and friendship he has given us through the years,” said Healy.

Senior Taylor Russ presented him with a framed copy of the students’ resolution dedicated to Caswell. Russ said he is sad that Caswell is retiring, but grateful that he was able to touch the lives of so many.

SMU senior Kalee Vandergrift said Caswell has been an inspiring teacher, and she feels privileged to know him.

“I admire and am motivated by his vibrant passion for his students, this school and life. He has had an amazing impact on this institution, and although he will not be far, it is hard to imagine SMU without Dr. Caswell,” said Vandergrift.

President of the Faculty Senate Rhonda Blair said that without Caswell, the faculty could not do everything that they do.

Carl Sewell spoke on behalf of the SMU Board of Trustees. He expressed the admiration and respect that Caswell has earned from everyone that he knows.

“We are so fortunate that you chose to give your life to SMU. We are so blessed,” Sewell said.

President Turner presented Caswell and his wife with a scrapbook commemorating his time at SMU, including a page dedicated to the different hairstyles Caswell has had through the years. He was also given a crystal mustang.

Caswell spoke about how he had attended many of these receptions and found it unbelievable that he was having one. He expressed the wonderful time he has had at SMU and how it felt like he was graduating. Caswell credited his colleagues for such a great experience.

“We would not be able to do what we do with out this faculty and staff of colleagues,” said Caswell.

Caswell thanked President Turner and said that he has been the kind of boss that people could only dream of. He spoke about the great student friendships he has made and how they have kept him young at heart. Caswell said he continues to believe that this is a student-centered university and this will remain constant.

Caswell also thanked his wife and children for their support.

“I acknowledge with heartfelt thanks my wife Jackie who has been by my side as my confidant, my friend and my soulmate,” said Caswell.

He concluded his speech by thanking everyone for coming to the reception and participating in his career.

Caswell will move on to serve as the executive pastor at St. Andrews United Methodist Church in Plano.