Do something to make the world a better place

The name Kathy Swanson is synonymous with volunteering in Cornell, so who better to speak to the selected students at the Excellence in Education banquet, held May 7, at the Cornell American Legion, sponsored by the Cornell Area Betterment Association (CABA). The banquet takes place each year, for three graduating students from Cornell and three from Lake Holcombe, who are chosen by the faculty from each school.

To impart words of wisdom, Swanson spoke before the students and educators, who made an impact in their lives. A small town girl, Swanson grew up in Cornell, and graduated in 1968, from Cornell High School, then took a summer secretarial course at CVTC.

She tried her hand living in the Twin Cities, and also worked in Milwaukee, but returned to the area, where she worked in nursing homes at Bloomer, where she married.

“It didn’t take long for me to decide big cities were not for me,” said Swanson.

Swanson and her family moved back to Cornell, in 1979, and she then worked at the Northern Center in Chippewa Falls, for 21 years, retiring from there in 2005.

“I finally found my place in life,” said Swanson. “Do something you enjoy. Then, it doesn’t seem like a hard job.”

Swanson couldn’t stop taking care of others and in September of 1998, she opened her home on the weekends, to people with disabilities. After she retired from the center, she ran a full-time adult family home, until December of 2024, along with raising four children.

“Living in Cornell is truly a blessing,” said Swanson. “We are so fortunate to have a friendly community, located in one of the most beautiful areas in the state. I believe it is our responsibility to keep our area beautiful and inviting. And, it’s important for the younger generation to get involved in community projects – no matter where they live.”

Swanson speaks from experience, as she is a member of the Cornell American Legion Auxiliary, Cornell Lions Club, Camaraderie Club and CABA, and gives generously of her time and money, to help the community in any way she can. She encourages the younger generations to give of themselves to an organization or facility who welcomes volunteers, or create their own project, such as installing benches or having a roadside clean-up.

Without that younger participation, the activity might go away forever.

“Look around,” said Swanson. “No matter where you decide to live, if you do a little bit of something to make the world a better place, it benefits everyone.”