University of North Georgia (UNG) alumni Stewart and Carol Swanson were awarded the 2024 Presidential Leadership Award by UNG President Michael Shannon at the UNG Gala on Oct. 4.

"The incredible generosity of our donors is truly lifesaving — and lifegiving — to students who might otherwise not be able to further their education and achieve unprecedented goals like a college degree. It is people like Carol and Stewart Swanson, whose impact on our community and university is lengthy," Shannon said. "It began in the early 1980s at what was then North Georgia College when they met and fell in love. Their story embodies the spirit of this university."

The Swansons have given transformative gifts to support over a dozen funding initiatives at the university.

"The Swansons have given back to North Georgia with their time, their talent and their treasure. The Mike Cottrell College of Business, the College of Science & Mathematics, the Boar's Head Brigade Corps of Cadets, UNG's Office of Professional & Continuing Education and many scholarship students will all benefit for eternity by their generosity," Shannon said. "Let us honor the Swansons for their dedication, journey and for being shining examples of what it means to be a part of the North Georgia family."

Stewart Swanson '85 was among the university's first graduates with a degree in computer science, while completing minors in mathematics and physics. He holds a Master of Business Administration in marketing from Mercer University. Carol '86 holds a degree in mathematics. In receiving the award, Stewart Swanson talked about both his career journey and his and Carol's path toward giving back.

"This is a very special award. Carol and I appreciate the sincere gratitude that UNG has shown to us," Stewart Swanson said. "We are equally thankful, and we are excited for the outcome of our collective endeavors to put our students first and create a university like no other." 

He also spoke of his profound admiration for his UNG Corps of Cadets classmates who went on to serve our nation.

Stewart Swanson is now retired as a sales executive for Cisco Systems. Inc. During his career working in telecommunications technology, he held roles in marketing, sales and business development at Cisco, Qualcomm and Nortel Networks and worked with several tech start-ups. He serves on the UNG Foundation Board of Trustees, the board of the Northeast Georgia Boy Scouts of America, and several local organizations preserving the Appalachian heritage of the North Georgia region. Stewart Swanson also serves as the chair of the STEM Advisory Board.

"The Swansons' generous gift left an indelible mark on the UNG STEM program. In addition, Stewart's generous contributions of his time and talent have helped shape STEM education at UNG over the last seven years," Dr. John Leyba, dean of the College of Science & Mathematics, said. "Through his activities on the UNG STEM Advisory Board, he has helped to transform the future of STEM at UNG by assisting in the development of a new transdisciplinary STEM curriculum and visioning the new STEM building on the Dahlonega Campus."

Dr. Mary Gowan, dean of the Mike Cottrell College of Business, also noted the impact of the Swansons.

"Stewart and Carol's dedication to UNG reaches across the university and impacts the individual success of every student. Their generous gift to name the Swanson Student Success Suite in the Cottrell Center for Business, Technology & Innovation has significantly enhanced the student success initiatives for the Mike Cottrell College of Business," Gowan said. "This funding supports our student professional development program that assists students in finding internships and study abroad experiences, as well as learning how to prepare a resume and conduct a successful job search. The Swansons' support is instrumental in equipping our students with the tools they need to thrive in their careers."