Recent generous donations from College of Business (COB) alumni are set to significantly bolster ECU’s career services, offering students enhanced resources and opportunities for professional development. These gifts highlight the critical role of alumni support in advancing the university’s mission and directly impacting student success in today’s competitive job market, particularly through initiatives like Ecu Cob Career Services.
The College of Business at East Carolina University has received two impactful gifts from its alumni, Steve and Ellen Cunanan, and Clark and Lisa Stallings. These contributions will not only enhance the existing student success infrastructure but also establish a new faculty position, demonstrating a profound commitment to the college’s future and the success of its students. The Cunanan family’s gift will establish the ‘Cunanan Center for Professional Success’, directly aimed at revamping and modernizing the ECU COB Career Services. Simultaneously, the Stallings family has created the ‘Stallings International Scholar’ position, enriching the academic environment and broadening the global perspective offered to business students.
Dean Paul Schwager emphasized the timeliness and importance of these alumni contributions, especially in light of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Our students are seeking both a high-quality education and a fulfilling university experience,” Schwager noted. “These gifts are crucial in mitigating the disruptions they’ve faced and enhancing their educational journey, equipping them with the knowledge and preparation needed for the professional world. Investments in areas like ECU COB Career Services are more vital than ever.”
Universities are increasingly relying on philanthropic support to navigate the economic headwinds brought on by the pandemic. ECU has been fortunate to witness continued generosity from its donor community. Remarkably, since March 2020, ECU’s dedicated supporters have contributed over $207,000 to student emergency funds. Overall giving to the ECU Foundation reached $13.2 million by October 31st, a significant increase from $8.5 million during the same period last year. Within the College of Business, philanthropy remains particularly strong. During the annual Pirate Nation Gives event, the college’s accounting department received the largest single donation of the day – a staggering $1.8 million.
Chris Dyba, vice chancellor for university advancement, underscored the collective impact of giving at all levels. “Every contribution, regardless of size, can create a significant difference for our students and the region we serve,” Dyba stated. He further acknowledged the dedicated involvement of Steve Cunanan as a member of the ECU Foundation Board and expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from both the Cunanans and the Stallings families.
Elevating ECU COB Career Services through the Cunanan Center for Professional Success
Steve Cunanan, a double alumnus of ECU COB, earning degrees in ’87 and ’91, describes his professional journey as evolving through two distinct phases. The first three decades were dedicated to building a successful career in the for-profit sector, holding leadership roles in prominent healthcare companies. His current chapter marks a transition to the nonprofit world, serving as CEO of the American Red Cross for the Kentucky region. This shift reflects a deep-seated desire to give back to the community and his alma mater.
“At this stage in my life, giving back is paramount,” Cunanan explained. “This conviction is why I’ve committed my professional efforts to the nonprofit sector and why Ellen and I are so pleased to support ECU.”
The establishment of the Cunanan Center for Professional Success represents their commitment to enhancing ECU COB Career Services. This initiative will relocate the existing career center to a more central and modern space on the third floor of the Bate Building. ECU COB Career Services currently engages with approximately 5,400 undergraduate and graduate students annually, providing crucial support to improve their career prospects both during their studies and post-graduation. The new center will amplify these efforts, offering a more accessible and comprehensive suite of services.
Cunanan emphasized the alignment of this gift with the university’s broader mission of regional service and individual empowerment. “Facilitating student job placement is of paramount importance to the university, the local community, and the wider region,” he stated. Investing in ECU COB Career Services directly addresses this critical need.
The Cunanan Center for Professional Success (CCPS) will provide a consolidated and enhanced approach to ECU COB Career Services. By bringing all CCPS staff into a single, strategically located space, the center aims to foster greater collaboration and efficiency. Core services such as resume building, mock interviews, career development workshops, and internship placements will remain central to the center’s offerings. A key enhancement will be a stronger emphasis on community engagement, enabling local businesses and industries to leverage CCPS resources for the professional development of their employees, creating a mutually beneficial ecosystem.
Lee Brown, Director of ECU COB Career Services, highlighted the evolving needs of students and the job market. “The dynamic landscape of higher education and employment necessitates innovative strategies for student engagement and career readiness,” Brown stated. “The addition of an industry engagement specialist, made possible by this gift, will significantly expand the scope and impact of the services we offer to students, alumni, faculty, staff, and the broader community through ECU COB Career Services.”
Marianne Moore, a graduate accounting student, exemplifies the positive impact of ECU COB Career Services. By utilizing the career center’s resources, including resume refinement with Director Brown and interview practice facilitated by campus recruiters, Moore successfully secured two valuable internship opportunities. “I have relied on the career center countless times throughout my academic journey,” Moore shared. “The accessibility and support they provide are invaluable to students like myself.” Thanks to the Cunanans’ generous contribution, ECU COB Career Services is now poised to extend its reach and enhance its offerings, benefiting even more students in the years to come.
Attracting Top Faculty through the Stallings International Scholar Position
Clark Stallings, a COB alumnus from the class of ’89, and his wife Lisa, a ’91 graduate, embody the Pirate spirit. Their deep connection to ECU and the College of Business is evident in their active engagement with the university community. Inspired by a recent edition of the COB newsletter, Stocknotes, the Stallings decided to make a significant contribution aimed at faculty excellence.
“Reading about fellow Pirates giving back in diverse ways inspired us to increase our support for the College,” Stallings explained. The couple’s philanthropic goal was to empower the College of Business to recruit and retain exceptional faculty members.
Their gift to the college’s priority fund enabled Dean Schwager to immediately establish the Stallings Distinguished International Scholar position. The inaugural appointee, Dr. Victor Mbarika, joined the Department of Management Information Systems in September. Dr. Mbarika, originally from Cameroon, specializes in the intersection of information technology and societal impact, focusing on areas such as telemedicine, distance learning, and e-governance, particularly in the context of Sub-Saharan Africa and the U.S. His presence at ECU will enrich the curriculum by bringing a global perspective to business education, exposing students to international business strategies and opportunities.
Stallings views his relationship with the COB as a continuous journey of engagement and support. “We are proud to be part of the ECU COB family, and we are always ready to assist Dean Schwager and the College in any way we can,” Stallings affirmed.
These significant alumni gifts underscore the enduring impact of philanthropy on East Carolina University’s College of Business. The Cunanan Center for Professional Success promises to elevate ECU COB Career Services, directly enhancing student employability and career trajectories. The Stallings International Scholar position will enrich the academic environment and attract top-tier faculty, further solidifying the college’s reputation for excellence. Through the generosity of alumni like the Cunanans and Stallings, ECU COB is well-positioned to continue providing exceptional business education and preparing future leaders for success in a globalized world.
