For 40 of Bemidji State University’s 104 years of existence, John Swartz was on campus taking photographs.

Swartz, who retired this spring after four decades behind the lens, captured all aspects of life at BSU as a constant — and consistent — presence on campus.

“Anyone who has seen a photo of Bemidji State University in the last 40 years has probably been looking at John’s work,” said Andy Bartlett, BSU’s executive director for communications and marketing. “It has been a rare gift to have had the same visionary capturing our campus for so long so that what we have here could be shared with others. John’s work allowed you to be transported here, to experience our facilities, our people and the beauty that surrounds us through his photography. We’re going to miss him.”

Upon his retirement in March, he shared a few examples of his favorite “last of” assignments on Facebook: his last hockey game, his last opera, his last student event and more. You can visit his post to see the photos he selected.