Linda L. Swalls Hogan

Linda L. Swalls Hogan of Indianapolis, Indiana and Kiawah Island, South Carolina passed away on May 30, 2016. Linda was born June 17, 1943 in Terre Haute, Indiana to the late Mable Foulke Swalls and Arley Wayne Swalls. Linda is survived by her son Patrick Hogan, his wife Andrea, grandchildren Lauren and Henry Hogan., stepson Kevin Hogan and his son, Jacob Hogan (Jen). Other surviving relatives include sister, Peggy Swalls, brother-in-law Joe Hogan, as well as aunts, uncles and numerous cousins. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Donald B. Hogan.
Linda graduated from Wiley High School then earned her Bachelor’s Degree in elementary education at Indiana State University in 1965. She was active on the ISU campus where she was a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority and a participant in the Terre Haute Community Theater.
Her early teaching career included time at Rio Grande Elementary School in Terre Haute, Indiana and the Mooresville School district before coming to the Indianapolis Public School System (IPS) in 1976 where she served with dedication and distinction as a teacher and then as an administrator until 2016. Linda earned two Master’s Degrees – one in Elementary Education and another in Education Administration and Supervision.
During Linda’s forty year career with IPS, she served in numerous roles always with a commitment to excellence. She was a supervisor for the Adult Basic Education Program, English as a Second Language instructor, IMPACT Team/Liaison, Adult Mentor, Literacy Coordinator, Governor’s Literacy Task Force, Governor’s Voluntary Action Trainer, Ball State University Adjunct Faculty teaching the post graduate course of teacher effectiveness and classroom management. She was even a liaison to the Department of Family and Children Services. She was most proud of her involvement with the Even Start Family Literacy Program. In her most recent role with IPS, Linda was the district wide administrator of their preschool program and preschool principal at Frances Bellamy School 102. She loved these positions because the focus was on early childhood education. She promoted the importance of preschool education by serving on the Early Intervention and Prevention Council (receiving recognition as an outstanding member), the Talent Alliance Committee, the Coalition of Early Childhood Education and the United Way Task Force.
She thoroughly enjoyed working with her staff who she considered to be friends as well as professional colleagues. Linda was a respected educational leader touted by both peers and supervisors. IPS Superintendent, Dr. Lewis Ferebee expressed the views of many educators in saying “With great appreciation and gratitude, the entire Indianapolis Public Schools family honors the life and contributions of our dear teammate and friend, Linda Hogan. Linda’s decades of contributions to our students, families and greater community were driven by dedication and selfless service.”
Linda’s teaching peers elected her to the governing board of the Indianapolis Education Association, then to the Board of Directors of the Indiana State Teachers Association and ultimately the Board of Directors of the National Education Association. She served on numerous committees in each capacity. She also was selected to serve on the education subcommittee of the Indianapolis City County Council and often lobbied state legislators and members of the U.S. Congress. In 2012, she served on Dr. Gene White’s steering committee for the Council of the Great City Schools Conference.
In addition to her career, Linda was involved with Operation Friendship (a cultural international teen exchange program) for over thirty years. She was a travel advisor five times, taking teens to Northern Ireland, Wales, Holland, Sweden and England. She was elected to the National Board serving as a regional representative, secretary, treasurer and vice chair before becoming the chair person. She served as Secretary to Operation Friendship International from 2006 – 2016 and her network of friends extends throughout the United States and Europe.
On a local level, Linda was an active member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church for over 30 years. There was barely a Sunday that she and Don missed church during this time. She served on and chaired numerous committees for the enrichment of the church.
When not in Indianapolis or traveling with Operation Friendship, Linda spent as much time as possible at Kiawah Island, South Carolina. The natural beauty, wildlife, walks on the beach and relaxing by the pool gave her great pleasure as did spending time with her family and grandchildren. Linda enjoyed and relished the laid back, friendly nature of the people of South Carolina as she never met a stranger. Linda’s friendly smile and easy going demeanor will be missed by all of those who were fortunate enough to know her.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made In Memory of Linda L. Hogan, IPS Education Foundation, 120 East Walnut Street, Room 104B, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204. Funds in Linda’s memory will be used to support literacy and preschool initiatives.
A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, June 6, at 5:00 p.m. at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 100 West 86th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46260. Visitation and refreshments will be in the church parlor immediately following the service.