PCE marks renovations with ribbon-cutting

The University of North Georgia's (UNG) Office of Professional and Continuing Education (PCE) held a ribbon-cutting Oct. 6 to celebrate recently completed renovations to its H.M. Stewart Sr. Professional and Continuing Education Building in Dahlonega that enhance its ability to serve the surrounding community.

Dean Swanson and the late Kay Stewart Swanson provided the original endowment funding in 1989 for the facility and in 2020 provided an additional $400,000 gift that leveraged UNG funds for the $1.5 million total project renovation cost. The renovation expanded the usable square footage to allow new classrooms and incorporated new state-of-the-art teaching technology. 

H.M. Stewart Sr. was the founder of Standard Telephone Company, which supplied telephone service to Dahlonega during the 20th century prior to becoming Windstream. The Dahlonega office employees of Standard Telephone were a source of pride to H.M. Stewart, better known as Milton, and were recognized in the original opening of the facility for their long service to the Dahlonega community.

"This legacy and ongoing support are testaments to the late Milton Stewart Sr. and his family's vision and understanding of the role Professional and Continuing Education plays in workforce and economic development," UNG President Bonita C. Jacobs said. "We are very grateful to you for your support of this project and the numerous opportunities it will provide students in the years to come."

Family proudly attending the ribbon-cutting were H.M. Stewart Sr.'s son Milt Stewart Jr. and his wife Carolyn Stewart, and son-in-law Dean Swanson. Grandson Stewart Swanson, '85, and wife Carol Swanson, '86, along with grandson Jeb Stewart were also in attendance.

This legacy and ongoing support are testaments to the late Milton Stewart Sr. and his family's vision and understanding of the role Professional and Continuing Education plays in workforce and economic development.

Dr. Bonita C. Jacobs

UNG president

The large, open gymnasium-type space was renovated from top to bottom and now includes two modern learning and meeting rooms, as well as casual seating areas to gather informally. The bathrooms were completely renovated, and an elevator was installed in place of the staircase for ease of access between floors. A new entrance was added downstairs as well as a rear-exit door.

Additionally, the upstairs lobby was updated with paint, carpet, new ceiling, lights, and furnishings.

"These renovations allow PCE to expand its course offerings in the Lumpkin County region that benefit business and industry and continue to grow a highly-skilled workforce," Dr. Wendy Estes, PCE executive director, said. "Delivering in-demand soft skills training as well as initial certifications and continuing education units for various professions will be a primary focus. The space will also be used to host various community events and meetings."

In a given year, PCE enrolls more than 5,000 participants in 900 courses at locations in Cumming, Gainesville and Dahlonega, as well as online.

"We are extremely grateful to the Swanson family for their continued support of UNG Professional and Continuing Education. Most philanthropic activities in higher education are designated to support academics or athletics," Estes said. "The generous donation is a testament to Howard Milton Stewart Sr. and his family's ongoing commitment to the everyday worker and the local community that PCE serves. It is an honor to celebrate this family's important contributions to northeast Georgia."