Recent donations from College of Business (COB) alumni are set to significantly enhance student success at East Carolina University (ECU), most notably through the Cob Career Center. These gifts, establishing both the Cunanan Center for Professional Success and the Stallings International Scholar position, promise immediate and long-lasting benefits for ECU students navigating their career paths.
Dean Paul Schwager emphasizes the critical timing of these alumni contributions, especially given the ongoing challenges students face due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In a time where the traditional university experience is disrupted, these donations offer crucial resources to bolster students’ educational and professional preparedness. This generosity highlights the enduring commitment of ECU alumni to supporting future generations of business leaders. Even amidst global uncertainty, ECU’s donor community has shown remarkable resilience, raising substantial funds for student emergency aid and demonstrating strong overall giving to the ECU Foundation. The College of Business, in particular, has witnessed exceptional philanthropic support, underscoring the collective power of giving back to enhance educational opportunities and regional impact.
Chris Dyba, vice chancellor for university advancement, recognizes the profound impact of these gifts, stating, “Every gift, small or large, can have a huge impact.” He specifically acknowledged the dedication of Steve and Ellen Cunanan, and Clark and Lisa Stallings, for their invaluable involvement and support, reinforcing their roles as integral members of the ECU community.
Revitalizing Career Services with the Cunanan Center for Professional Success
Steve Cunanan, a double alumnus of ECU COB, along with his wife Ellen, are deeply invested in giving back to their alma mater. Steve’s career journey, spanning leadership roles in major healthcare companies and now as CEO of the American Red Cross for Kentucky, reflects his commitment to both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. This dedication to service is mirrored in their establishment of the Cunanan Center for Professional Success. This pivotal gift will transform the existing Cob Career Center, relocating it to a more central and modern space on the third floor of the Bate Building. This enhanced Cob Career Center aims to serve approximately 5,400 undergraduate and graduate students annually, providing crucial resources to improve their career prospects both during their studies and post-graduation.
Cunanan highlights the alignment of this gift with ECU’s broader mission of regional service and individual empowerment. He emphasizes the critical role of career placement in the university’s mission, benefiting not only students but also the wider community and region.
The Cunanan Center for Professional Success (CCPS) is envisioned as a comprehensive hub, offering a unified and enhanced approach to career and professional development. By consolidating all CCPS staff in one accessible location, the center will streamline services, making it easier for students and alumni to access vital resources. Core services such as resume workshops, mock interviews, career development seminars, and internship placements will remain central. A significant addition will be a stronger focus on community engagement, enabling local businesses and industries to leverage CCPS resources for employee development and recruitment.
Lee Brown, Director of the Cob Career Center, emphasizes the necessity for innovation in career services, stating, “Changes in higher education and the job market necessitate a new, creative approach to student engagement and career readiness.” The introduction of an industry engagement specialist will significantly expand the scope and impact of services offered to students, alumni, faculty, staff, and the broader community.
Marianne Moore, a graduate accounting student, exemplifies the Career Center’s impact. She utilized the center’s resources to secure two internship opportunities, benefiting from resume refinement assistance from Director Brown and valuable interview practice provided by a Dixon Hughes Goodman representative facilitated by the center. Moore attests to the Career Center’s invaluable support, stating, “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve leaned on the career center. Their open-door policy is something that my fellow students and I are grateful to have.” Thanks to the Cunanans’ generosity, the Cob Career Center is now poised to expand its resources and further enhance its support for students like Marianne.
Investing in Top Faculty with the Stallings International Scholar Position
Another transformative gift to the College of Business comes from Clark Stallings, a COB alumnus, and his wife, Lisa, both deeply connected to ECU. Long-time supporters of the university, the Stallings are passionate about ECU’s continued growth and success. Inspired by ECU COB’s newsletter, Stocknotes, they decided to contribute to faculty excellence. Clark Stallings stated, “I just love reading about other Pirates that are giving back in so many ways, and I just said, ‘We need to step up, give back and support the College.” Their donation, directed to the college’s priority fund, enabled Dean Schwager to immediately establish the Stallings Distinguished International Scholar position.
This timely gift facilitated the hiring of Dr. Victor Mbarika in September as a Professor in the Department of Management Information Systems. Dr. Mbarika, originally from Cameroon, specializes in the intersection of information technology and societal impact, particularly in telemedicine, remote learning, e-agriculture, and e-democracy, with a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa and the U.S. His presence will enrich the COB by exposing students to crucial international business perspectives, skills, and project opportunities.
Stallings views his relationship with the COB as an ongoing journey, expressing his deep pride and commitment: “I’m very proud and blessed to be a part of it. If Paul (Schwager) needs something, he knows that we’re available. We’re willing to roll up our sleeves and help where we can.”
In conclusion, the combined impact of the Cunanan Center for Professional Success and the Stallings International Scholar position represents a significant leap forward for ECU’s College of Business. The enhanced Cob Career Center, bolstered by the Cunanans’ gift, will provide students with unparalleled career development resources, ensuring they are well-prepared for future success. Simultaneously, the Stallings International Scholar position enriches the academic environment, bringing global perspectives and expertise to the college. These alumni gifts underscore the powerful synergy between donor support and institutional advancement, ultimately benefiting ECU students and the broader community served by the College of Business.
