Recent generous donations from College of Business (COB) alumni are set to significantly enhance student opportunities at East Carolina University (ECU). These gifts are strategically aimed at bolstering the college’s student success initiatives, most notably through a modernized and expanded career center, now known as the Cunanan Center for Professional Success. This pivotal development promises to elevate the Ecu Cob Career Center and its impact on students’ professional journeys.
The College of Business at ECU has received substantial support from Steve and Ellen Cunanan, and Clark and Lisa Stallings, all esteemed alumni. Their contributions come at a crucial time, as Dean Paul Schwager emphasizes the increasing importance of alumni support, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. These donations are not just monetary; they represent a vital investment in the future of ECU students and the regional community.
Schwager noted that while students cherish the educational experience at ECU, the desired social aspects have been curtailed due to recent global events. Therefore, these alumni gifts are instrumental in enhancing the educational experience and better preparing students for the professional world. The Cunanan Center for Professional Success, in particular, directly addresses this need by providing comprehensive career services and resources, making the ecu cob career center a central hub for student development.
University Advancement Vice Chancellor Chris Dyba highlighted the broad impact of donations, stating, “Every gift, small or large, can have a huge impact.” The commitment of alumni like Steve Cunanan, who serves on the ECU Foundation Board, and Clark Stallings and their wives, underscores the strong philanthropic spirit within the ECU community. Their involvement and support are invaluable to the university’s continued growth and success.
The Cunanan Center for Professional Success: A Modernized ECU COB Career Center
Steve Cunanan, a double alumnus of ECU COB, and his wife Ellen, have made a significant commitment to their alma mater by establishing the Cunanan Center for Professional Success. This transformative gift will relocate and modernize the existing ecu cob career center, placing it in a more accessible and contemporary space on the third floor of the Bate Building. This strategic move is designed to enhance the center’s accessibility and impact for the over 5,400 undergraduate and graduate students it serves annually.
Cunanan, whose professional journey spans both the for-profit and non-profit sectors, emphasizes the importance of giving back. His dedication to ECU reflects a deep belief in the university’s mission to serve the region and uplift individuals. The Cunanan Center embodies this vision by focusing on career readiness and ensuring ECU graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce and contribute to the regional economy.
The enhanced ecu cob career center, now the Cunanan Center for Professional Success, will offer a more unified and comprehensive approach to career services. Bringing all career center staff into one central location will foster collaboration and streamline service delivery. The core services, including resume building, mock interviews, career workshops, and internship placements, will remain central. Furthermore, the center will expand its community engagement efforts, offering services to local businesses and industries to support regional workforce development.
Lee Brown, Director of the COB Career Center, emphasizes the necessity for innovation in career services. “Changes in higher education and the job market necessitate a new, creative approach to student engagement and career readiness,” Brown stated. The addition of an industry engagement specialist will significantly broaden the center’s reach and effectiveness, benefiting students, alumni, faculty, staff, and the wider community.
Marianne Moore, a graduate accounting student, exemplifies the positive impact of the ecu cob career center. She utilized the center’s services to secure two valuable internship opportunities. Moore specifically credited the center’s resume assistance and interview practice sessions facilitated by industry representatives brought to campus by the center. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve leaned on the career center,” Moore shared, highlighting the open-door policy and supportive environment that students deeply appreciate. The Cunanans’ gift ensures that the ecu cob career center will continue to expand its resources and support for students like Marianne, enabling even greater career success.
Investing in Faculty Excellence to Enhance Student Learning
Clark Stallings, another dedicated ECU COB alumnus, and his wife Lisa, have also demonstrated their commitment to the university through a significant gift. Inspired by the COB’s newsletter, Stocknotes, the Stallings decided to contribute to the college’s priority fund. Their motivation stemmed from a desire to support faculty excellence and enhance the overall academic environment at the College of Business.
This generous donation enabled Dean Schwager to immediately establish the Stallings Distinguished International Scholar position. The inaugural scholar, Dr. Victor Mbarika, joined the Department of Management Information Systems in September. Dr. Mbarika’s expertise in the intersection of information technology and global development, particularly in telemedicine, e-learning, and e-agriculture, brings a valuable international perspective to the COB. His presence enriches the curriculum and exposes students to global business strategies and opportunities.
Clark Stallings views his connection to the COB as an ongoing journey and expresses pride in being part of the ECU community. The Stallings’ commitment to supporting faculty excellence, alongside the Cunanan’s investment in the ecu cob career center, represents a holistic approach to enhancing the College of Business and ensuring ECU students receive a top-tier education and career preparation.
These alumni gifts collectively signify a powerful investment in the future of ECU’s College of Business and, most importantly, its students. The modernized Cunanan Center for Professional Success, or ecu cob career center, will serve as a cornerstone for student career development, while the Stallings International Scholar position will enrich the academic environment. Such philanthropic support ensures that ECU COB continues to provide exceptional education and career opportunities for its students, preparing them to be successful leaders and contributors to the global economy.
