JTC 25: Driven by Service

From his first campus tour to leading record-breaking fundraising efforts, Byron Swetman’s journey at the University of Mississippi has been defined by a profound dedication to serving others.

“I enjoy being in a position that’s helping others,” said Swetman, who is slated to graduate in May. “And I’m not trying to brag or boast when I say that by any means; I just think it’s good to help people.”

The Latimer native began his Ole Miss journey as an electrical engineering major before transitioning to computer science. While balancing a full course load as a member of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, Swetman immersed himself in the university community from freshman year onward.

He served as chair of the Center for Manufacturing Excellence Student Advisory Board, gave tours as an Ole Miss ambassador and Honors College ambassador, and, in his senior year, led RebelTHON, the university’s annual 12-hour dance marathon benefiting Children’s of Mississippi.

Growing up, Swetman admired his mother’s dedication to her career as a nurse. However, it was not until his involvement with RebelTHON that he aspired to pursue a career in health care. During his early years with the organization, Swetman gained a deeper understanding of the impact of pediatric health care in Mississippi. What began as a commitment to community service evolved into a passion.

“Everything comes full circle when you're talking to the (Children’s Miracle Network) families, seeing the patients smile and have the time of their life without any worry,” he said. “And that’s when you realize what we’re doing really matters.”

On February 15, 2025, Swetman’s leadership of RebelTHON culminated in a record-breaking fundraising total of $280,424.17. The moment remains etched in his memory.

“I kind of blanked out,” he said. “I can’t remember what went on; I was really in shock. I knew that we had the momentum to do something special, but when you look over and see people crying, patient families hugging their kids, moms and dads with hands on shoulders — that’s special.”

Woven throughout his upbringing, Swetman credits his family, particularly his older brother, for instilling the values of servant leadership in him. He remembers being young and in awe of his brother Windy and his unconditional commitment to gathering donations for the Salvation Army every holiday season.

“My older brother is my biggest mentor,” he said. “He makes sure that, through work, no matter what he has going on, he’s making sure that somebody is taken care of."

The impact of family philanthropy runs deep.

“My grandma, bless her heart... didn’t have a lot,” Swetman said. “But every single year, like clockwork, she would write a check to St. Jude. And when she passed, she didn’t ask for flowers; she just asked that money be donated to St. Jude.”

These early experiences molded Swetman’s view that service is not just a career choice but a way of life.

“Everybody should be involved in philanthropy one way, shape or form,” he said. “I think giving a tour is philanthropy, because you’re giving back to the school that guided you so well for four years.”

When asked why campus involvement matters alongside academics, Swetman said life would be "boring” just going to class and back home again every day. He said he used his involvement as an opportunity to build meaningful friendships and believes this engagement has prepared him for life after graduation.

For incoming students, Swetman encourages seeking out extracurricular activities that resonate with them. While it is easy to commit to numerous activities, he advises being mindful and focusing on a few to avoid becoming overextended.

“Don’t be too hard on yourself,” he said. “It’s easy to look back on things that you’ve done wrong again and beat yourself up. But remember that those are learning opportunities, a chance for advancement.”

After graduating in May, Swetman plans to pursue an MBA, with future plans including further studies in health care administration and potentially law school. He envisions staying and giving back to the state that has given him so much.

“I’ve had a lot of fun and a lot of success in the state,” he said. “I am just a big Mississippi guy.”

Top: Byron Swetman, a Latimer native and computer science major, will graduate in May. Swetman has been devoted to service during his time at Ole Miss, leading RebelTHON to a record-breaking fundraising year. Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services

See more photos from Byron Swetman's Journey to Commencement