Swinburn named Texas Tech distinguished alumni for 2008
Dale Swinburn of Tulia (B.S. in agronomy '65) has been selected to receive one of three 2008 Texas Tech distinguished alumni awards by the Texas Tech University Alumni Association. The recipients will be honored Nov. 7 at a special recognition reception at the Merket Alumni Center.
"The college takes much pride in Dale's numerous accomplishments," said John Burns, dean of Tech's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. "We thank him for all the ways he has contributed to the successful achievement of out various goals and objectives."
Outstanding Agriculturalist. In the past CASNR has honored Swinburn as a Distinguished Alumnus. He received the Gerald W. Thomas Award for Outstanding Agriculturalist in 2002 from the college. He also has received the Southwest High Cotton Award.
Swinburn was born in Memphis, Texas, and his parents later bought farmland near Tulia. When he graduated from Tulia High School, Swinburn's father was the superintendent and his mother taught sixth grade. While attending Texas Tech, first as a history major, Swinburn worked on the family's land during the summers. He realized his junior year that his true calling was in agriculture.
Windstar Shines. After graduating from college, Swinburn began farming a variety of crops, including cotton, corn, sorghum and wheat. He also runs stocker calves on wheat pastures. In addition to owning Dale Swinburn Farms in Tulia, he is a partner and director of Windstar Inc., a cotton ginning and investment company.
The business was started in the late 1970s when Swinburn and four neighbor farmers purchased a nearby cotton gin from its retiring owner. Today there are about two dozen share-holders in the privately held corporation. That early success allowed the working farmers to return their profits into the company, which today owns four gins and part of two others.
Community Stewardship. The sense of stewardship Swinburn has for the land extends to his community as well. He and his wife, Cheryl, have devoted their time and attention to the Tulia community over the years. His volunteer work includes serving on the boards of the Swisher Memorial Hospital District and the Swisher County Appraisal District and being elected to the Tulia Independent School District Board.
Swinburn also has a fondness for his alma mater. He has served on the Texas Tech College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Advisory Board and the Texas Tech Plant and Soil Science Advisory Council. He's an honorary member of the Texas Tech Agronomy Club, and is a member of the Texas Tech Alumni Association, the Red Raider Club and the Chancellor's Council.
"I really do have a deep attachment to Texas Tech," Swinburn said.
Written by Norman Martin
Davis College NewsCenter
-
Address
P.O. Box 42123, Lubbock, Texas 79409-2123, Dean's Office Location:Goddard Building, Room 108 -
Phone
(806)742-2808 -
Email
kris.allen@ttu.edu