Frank Swyden

I graduated from the University of Missouri's School of Journalism, '73. But never put the degree to good use. Instead I embarked on a career in investment brokerage and management first as a stock broker with firms in Kansas City and then in Los Angeles.

I broke from that career to seek adventure and took a position overseas with a U.S. company for a period of two years in Saudi Arabia.

I returned to the investment business working overseas in Bahrain, Pakistan and London for E F Hutton until 1986 when I returned home and worked for UMB Bank until 1999.

Since then, I have been self-employed in Kansas City, officing downtown where I handle equity portfolios on behalf of private client accounts.

I remember Winsteads on Friday night after a football game ordering from your car over a radio on the menu that I was always careful of handling since I was afraid of electrocution. The waitress would bring your food to you on a tray that would fit on the window of the car. There were always lots of cars full of friends.

I remember the car rallies on Saturday afternoons. The school clubs organized them, I think.

I remember a magical autumn night, in of all places the lagoon at Swope Park. I think we made a bonfire though I don't remember the occasion. It went on all night long and into the morning.

I remember always thinking we were the only true Kansas Citians that counted - Southwest… Interscholastic League. And mostly not knowing or caring where Lee’s Summit or Raytown or Oak Park was.