Stewart and Carol Swanson, alumni of the University of North Georgia (UNG), received the 2024 Presidential Leadership Award from UNG President Michael Shannon. This award honors their generosity and dedication to the university.

Swansons Recognized for Philanthropy

Award Ceremony

The award was presented at the UNG Gala on October 4, 2024.
President Shannon praised the Swansons for their significant contributions, saying, “The incredible generosity of our donors is truly lifesaving — and lifegiving — to students who might otherwise not be able to further their education.”

The Swansons’ Philanthropic Impact

The Swansons have supported over a dozen initiatives at UNG, including:
- Mike Cottrell College of Business
- College of Science & Mathematics
- Boar’s Head Brigade Corps of Cadets
- UNG’s Office of Professional & Continuing Education
- Numerous scholarship programs
President Shannon emphasized their long-lasting impact, stating, “Let us honor the Swansons for their dedication… what it means to be a part of the North Georgia family.”

Background of the Swansons

Stewart Swanson ’85
- One of the first graduates with a degree in computer science.
- Holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in marketing from Mercer University.
Carol Swanson ’86
- Graduated with a degree in mathematics.

Stewart’s Career

Stewart is a retired sales executive from Cisco Systems, Inc.
He worked in various roles in telecommunications at companies like Qualcomm and Nortel Networks and has been involved with tech startups.
He is also a board member of several local organizations, focusing on preserving North Georgia’s Appalachian heritage.

The Swansons’ Continued Commitment to UNG

During the award presentation, Stewart expressed gratitude for the recognition and talked about their shared journey to support students.
He mentioned his admiration for fellow UNG Corps of Cadets members who served the nation.

Contributions to STEM Education

Stewart has made a significant impact on UNG’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) program.
Dr. John Leyba, dean of the College of Science & Mathematics, highlighted Stewart’s role in developing a new STEM curriculum and visioning a new STEM building on the Dahlonega Campus.

Enhancements to Student Success

Dr. Mary Gowan, dean of the Mike Cottrell College of Business, noted the importance of the Swansons’ contributions:
- Their donation named the Swanson Student Success Suite in the Cottrell Center for Business, Technology & Innovation.
- This funding supports initiatives that help students with internships, study abroad experiences, resume preparation, and job searches.

Conclusion

The Swansons’ philanthropy not only strengthens the university but also enriches the lives of countless students. Their commitment to education and community continues to make a difference at UNG.

Bookkeeping for Non-Profits: A Guide to Getting it Right

References

University of North Georgia (UNG)
President Michael Shannon’s speech at the UNG Gala

Richmond Bash