Meet alumna Jessica (Wang) Swanson ‘20

Jessica (Wang) Swanson ’20 will never forget a field trip she took to Concordia Nebraska during her elementary school days. Seeing the university’s Osten Observatory left a deep impression on her, and that day she met university Professor of Physics Dr. Robert Hermann. Years later, he became her adviser when she attended the university to earn two degrees: a bachelor of arts degree in studio art and a bachelor of arts degree in physical science. 

Memories of that field trip and the fact that the university was close to her led Swanson to choose to attend the university, but she said the community she found on campus made her time at Concordia simply unforgettable. 

“My favorite thing about Concordia was the community, especially the relationship between student and professor. I loved how much the faculty and staff could truly be a part of my life. Unlike a large university where a professor doesn't have the time to invest in a single student, the professors at Concordia truly cared,” she said. “In retrospect, my professors helped a great deal in shaping my future. I don't know about purpose, per se, but they certainly guided me through a rather turbulent part of my life.” 

Swanson describes her time at Concordia as somewhat overwhelming. Since she chose to double major and double minor in fields that had zero overlap and attempted to complete all requirements within five years, she said the experience was more than she could realistically handle at the time. 

“My professors were so incredibly patient, honestly saint-like, often going out of their way to provide aid. I will be forever grateful to each and every one of them!” she said. “I still keep in touch with a couple of my professors, too. Most recently, Professor Albright reached out to ask if I would design the cover of the latest edition of his textbook, which I was happy to do.”  

During her time at Concordia, she worked at Webermeier Memorial Library in Milford and continued working there after graduation for a short while. She then worked for an electronics company Li-COR, where she built scientific instruments and machinery for researchers. She was there for about two years before realizing she wanted a simpler life. She returned to her job at the library where she still works today. She said while she enjoyed her work at Li-COR, she is much happier in her current role.  

“My favorite thing about Concordia was the community, especially the relationship between student and professor. I loved how much the faculty and staff could truly be a part of my life.”

“My technical title is library assistant director, but I mostly describe myself as a librarian,” she said. “Since I've been here, there have been some changes over the years. I have revamped the summer reading program, a fun activity-filled program we offer to encourage children to read. My boss and I have started developing our own version of escape rooms free of charge for participants. This is our third year doing that, and it is always such a great time for both the participants and us as the designers. We have also rearranged the library and added furniture to create a cozier and more welcoming environment.”  

She said her daily tasks vary wildly, something she loves. She orders new books, catalogs and labels books, organizes and develops programs and events and sometimes just simply reads.  

“The aspects I find most fulfilling are in the small things. We often help folks with tech issues, and it's always nice to know we are making their day just a little better,” she said “I especially love hearing about how much a patron enjoyed a book I personally recommended to them. It is always a delight to share that with someone, creating a sense of kinship even among strangers.” 

Swanson’s parents are missionaries currently serving in the Philippines. Her brother lives with Swanson and her husband, and she has a married sister who lives in Wisconsin. Swanson’s husband comes from a large family, and she enjoys their large family holiday gatherings and reunions. 

When she’s not working, you’ll find Swanson engaging in what she calls “hobbit hobbies” 

“As a particular fan of Lord of the Rings, I have always fancied myself as rather hobbit-like. I enjoy gardening, cooking and baking, quilting, reading, playing board games and things that are generally best enjoyed with a cup of tea,” she said. “My husband and I are both very much introverted and we mostly prefer to stay home and enjoy each other's company.” 

A degree in physical science from Concordia University, Nebraska give students an interdisciplinary background in the physical sciences including physics, chemistry and math. By studying the basic laws and theories of the physical world, students are qualified to work as a scientist, engineer or educator in the physical sciences and serve as a good steward of God’s creation.