The purpose the organization was to bring together parasitologists and their students for meetings with planned programs of mutual interest. Such an organization would provide an opportunity for graduate students to present their research before a smaller group than the national meeting of ASP. In addition the organization should encourage more active participation in regional projects and exchange of ideas and materials.
During the first meeting Bob Coatney was elected President, Frank Sogandares–Bernal was elected Vice-President and Betty-June Myers was elected Secretary–Treasurer. Also at this meeting, Student Assistants were appointed for each office following Article IV-6 in the newly adopted constitution, “Each officer of the Association shall appoint a counterpart from the student membership for a 5 SWAP History, 1967–2002 one-year term. . . .” These included James Byram III for the President, Lane Graham for the Vice-President, and William Hubbard for the Secretary-Treasurer.
Excerpts from "The Southwestern Association of Parasitologists: The First 35 Years: 1967-2002 - For the complete document go to the Archive page