David Robert Schwartz – 50th Reunion Essay

David Robert Schwartz

500 Regatta Drive, Unit 2515

Philadelphia, PA 19146

dschwart26@comcast.net

267-800-6543

Spouse(s): Maryellen Maroney Schwartz (1970 to present)

Child(ren): Nathan J. Schwartz (1981)

Grandchild(ren): Ryan W. Schwartz (2014)

Education: Univ. of Pennsylvania Law School JD 1975; Temple University Law School, LLM, 1978

National Service: Spec. 5, US Army, 1969–72

Career: First VP/Trust Officer, The Glenmede Trust Co. (Phila.) for 20 years; VP/Trust Officer First Pa./Corestates Bank (Phila.) for 10 years; started as Trusts and Estates Attorney, Cohen, Shapiro, Polisher, Shiekman & Cohen (Phila.) for 9 years.

Avocations: Certified Philadelphia Tour Guide; Volunteer Park Ranger at Independence National Historical Park; Homeowner Association committees/board; Men’s discussion groups; Writer

College: Davenport

What happened to me after Yale? The most important thing was that I did spend my life with Maryellen, the same girl I first had dinner with in the Davenport dining hall in the Spring of ’69. We take joy in each other, our son, his wife, and our grandson.

Who am I? I think I’m an ordinary man of our generation. We contributed to the social progress of our time with simply how we lived our lives. We wanted to be more involved husbands, fathers, and grandfathers than our own fathers were. We were men who treated women as equals—they were the real pioneers of social change. We greeted our babies in the delivery room and shared more in child care. In the workplace we created a more egalitarian, cooperative style of management. We helped move society toward greater tolerance and inclusiveness. With the conflict between demands of work and home life, I took a job for less money but more time, which allowed me to coach sports teams and lead the scouts.

The entry by my picture in my high school yearbook included a quote: “Gladly would he learn and gladly teach.” I think that’s remained largely true. A favorite part of my professional life was planning and speaking at continuing education programs for the Philadelphia Bar Association. For 20 years I was also a lecturer on the faculty of the Central Atlantic School of Trust run by the PA Bankers’ Association for a week each summer at Bucknell. I met many wonderful friends through those programs.

When I was about to retire I made a list of things I would have wanted to be if I hadn’t been a lawyer for 40 years. History professor topped the list. How could I now experience being that? I became a certified Philadelphia tour guide. I work as a volunteer park ranger giving tours at Independence National Park. In the summers I’m also a walking tour guide, meeting families and school groups from all over the world. We talk about the Declaration and the Constitution and what is the best of America.

In retirement we have moved back into the city and experience all of its opportunities for adventure. I feel like I’m back in college again, but it’s a lot better this time. I only take courses that I like, there are no grades, and I’m living with my girlfriend.