THE LUMPKIN LETTER A MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN A PUBLICATION OF THE LUMPKIN COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY Spring/Summer 2023 eiu.edu/lumpkin 1 Dr. Austin C. Cheney Dean and Professor EIU Lumpkin College of Business and Technology Austin C. Cheney Dean and Professor EIU Lumpkin College of Business and Technology Lumpkin College continues to be blessed with engaged students, involved alumni, and excellent business partners. Throughout this issue of the Lumpkin Letter, you will read about many of the activities and events that provide clear examples of these attributes. This academic year marks the first in several that COVID-19 restrictions have been largely lifted, allowing a plethora of student engagement activities. This includes the Lumpkin College study abroad trip to Italy, where business and technology students focus on some international aspects affecting their professions and experience another culture. Undergraduate and graduate students were able to present at EIU and at conferences in Illinois, nationally, and even internationally! A high school ethics competition at the end of the spring semester and a visit by the Class-E entrepreneurship students in Coles County highlight our emphasis on engaging and contributing to the development of potential students, an area that will receive increased attention in the coming years. The newly started Industry Partners Program has yielded significant results, targeted toward increasing engagement among faculty, students, and external businesses. As an example, alumna Krupal Swami was instrumental in connecting Lumpkin College with Levi, Ray & Shoup (LRS), whose participation as our first Premiere Partner, is reestablishing our involvement in developing students to make contributions to the mainframe computing ecosystem. A plan to expand the number of Premiere Partner companies in other industry sectors is ongoing, with the Lumpkin Executive Advisers to the Dean (LEAD) providing guidance on how to best accomplish this goal. In another effort to better align Lumpkin College with area industry needs, the college applied for and was also awarded a grant by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to start a Small Business Development Center, increasing our involvement with entrepreneurs and small businesses in a seven-county region, including Coles and its collar counties. Many EIU alumni operate outstanding small businesses in our region and Lumpkin College aims to support them and other companies in the region. Our first Spring Banquet recognized some of the key contributors to our successes this academic year, both at EIU and externally. The support from our internal and external stakeholders is tremendous, and Lumpkin College and EIU are filled with gratitude. We believe in our students, faculty, staff, and alumni, and know we will continue to achieve more together! Have a wonderful remainder to your summer.
THE LUMPKIN LETTER Spring/Summer 2023 Spring/Summer 2023 eiu.edu/lumpkin 2 The Mainframe Re-evolutio March 8, 1991, head technology writer and editor, Stewart Alsop, for ‘Infoworld Magazine’ made a bold announcement. Alsop announced the death of mainframe computing. He predicted on March 15, 1996, the last remaining mainframe would be unplugged and taken offline. March 16, 1996, came and passed. Absolutely nothing changed. Mainframes were still very much alive and heading into the 21st Century. In 2002, Mr. Alsop released a self-portrait retracting his statement from years prior. It was a satirical photograph where Alsop was literally eating his own words. Mainframe VS Client/Server Client/Server setups are essentially computers or PCs connected to a network and the internet. Client/Servers simply access, hold, and transfer data and files over a network. Data most often is stored on site but larger systems can save data on thirdparty systems. Mainframes are a class of computers designed for many users, with the ability to process high volumes of transactions. Mainframes can handle massive amounts of data executing billions of transactions per second. The next time you check your bank account, transfer retirement funds, or track a shipment, you can most likely thank mainframe computing. Mainframes are also known for being very secure. Many companies have tried replacing their mainframe systems with Client/Server systems and have found the process cost prohibitive. Client/ Server systems cannot move large amounts of data efficiently which can create backlogs. Backlogs turn wait times from precious seconds to sometimes minutes, costing businesses customers, time and money. To increase the processing capacity of client/server systems the solution is to add more servers which adds to cost. Also, adding more components, more moving parts, can lead to higher maintenance costs and downtime. So, why not turn all processing and storage over to the cloud? Essentially the cloud is a worldwide system of 3rd party server centers who provide storage and access for a fee. Being connected to the worldwide system brings up the issue of security due to so many access points. Cloud storage centers also charge clients for storage and transactions. The cost of processing multiple transactions and storing data on the cloud can get expensive very quickly. The process of changing over to the cloud can also cost more than an entire mainframe system. Changing over to the cloud also costs time. Sometimes five years or more where a business’ data system can be held in a state of storage and transfer limbo. “A common analogy we use is, mainframes are like using a dump truck instead of a bunch of wheelbarrows when needing to move a ton of dirt or rocks, the key point being, you always want to use the right tool for the job,” says Greg DeBo, Principal Consultant, and IBM Gold Consultant at Team Swami. It is now 2023 and mainframes continue forging ahead. As opposed to becoming a stagnant technology, mainframes have continued evolving with software and chip architectures designed to match capabilities and even meld with other evolving technologies like quantum computing and AI. The z16 mainframe, IBM’s latest innovation, is designed to do even more than crunch masses of data. It is built to become part of a hybrid cloud system. The z16 also has on-chip AI insights as well as technologies to protect data from multi-directional quantum computing attacks. The mainframe industry was already aware of when its original innovators would reach retirement age and most have retired. Also, some Gen Xers found themselves with healthy retirement packages, the result of booming markets in the early 2000’s and 2010’s and many of them are retiring early. Another event appeared on the horizon in 2009. industries also noted workers began leaving their jobs without another job waiting. This became known as “The Great Resignation.” That monthly quit rate has steadily climbed at a rate of 0.10% per month each year since 2009. The COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbated this trend. This perfect storm of coincidences has created a broad skills gap throughout the mainframe industry. It is predicted this need will continue to grow in the United States 8.8% by 2028 with 3.5 million jobs needing filled by 2025. IBM Mainframe System z10 courtesy of Wikimedia Greg DeBo, IBM Gold Consultant TeamSWAMI
THE LUMPKIN LETTER Spring/Summer 2023 Spring/Summer 2023 eiu.edu/lumpkin 3 on Strikes Lumpkin College TeamSwami, led by EIU alumna Krupal Swami, spearheaded an effort to enlist the assistance of global mainframe companies to partner with universities in bringing mainframe computing instruction back to campuses. Levi, Ray & Shoup (LRS), recognized the need and took decisive action to support the efforts to reignite a passion for mainframe technology at Eastern. On March 7th, 2023, LRS, along with several other mainframe companies, hosted an event for EIU students to discuss advancements in the mainframe industry, explore various positions and opportunities for growth and career progression, and announce a new course available to students this fall and a second in the spring 2024 semester. The LRS Foundation made a significant contribution to Lumpkin College to offer a curriculum that shares the latest mainframe software and technologies with Eastern Illinois students. Many class sessions will be provided by LRS, along with some class sessions delivered by representatives from other companies. This extreme industry involvement will take student learning to a new level. “The LRS Foundation is proud to give this donation to Eastern Illinois University for the creation of a mainframe programming curriculum. It’s vital to invest in the next generation of mainframe developers because, despite what we’ve been told for nearly 30 years, mainframe computing is not going away anytime soon.” said Levi, Ray & Shoup COO Greg Matthews. “As a company that develops mainframe software, LRS has a vested interest in making sure that students have access to courses offering mainframe programming instruction. Ensuring that those students have the opportunity to learn those skills is important to LRS’s continued growth, to our customers’ growth, and to the vast number of companies that continue to rely on mainframe technology. We are very eager to see the first students graduate from this program. We’re excited for the future,” he added. Lumpkin College of Business and Technology Dean, Dr. Austin Cheney shares this vision. “Lumpkin College of Business and Technology is excited to be offering important mainframe concepts for both undergraduate and graduate students in several technologyrelated disciplines. But equally important, if not more so, is the strong industry involvement in the coursework. Contributions from Levi, Ray & Shoup bring instant credibility to the offerings, ensure the content is cutting-edge, and connect our students with real-world practitioners. Thanks to TeamSWAMI for supporting our program and helping us build these connections with such a fantastic partner!” According to DeBo, current mainframe instructors cite that many instructors in academia aren’t willing to teach mainframe because it’s not strategic or “sexy” enough. The current worldwide need for mainframe computing indicates otherwise. Lumpkin College instructor Paul Brown is excited about the new curriculum. “We recognize industry need for mainframe skills and a nationwide deficiency in university offerings to meet those needs,” said Brown. “EIU aims to dispel student misconceptions about the mainframe, provide an awareness of its widespread importance and use, and prepare students to be successful in mainframe related roles. EIU is excited to partner with experienced industry leaders at LRS to provide students with real-world applicable knowledge, application, and networking opportunities.” “This partnership between LRS and EIU is unique as far as I’m aware, and I would love to see it be the standard. I’m confident that at least the other two universities in Illinois, Northern Illinois University and Illinois State University, would be open to listening to similar sponsorship ideas,” said DeBo. LRS Software Developer, Dan Connolly announcing partnership Krupal Swami, CEO, TeamSWAMI Lumpkin College Dean, Austin Cheney Lumpkin College mainframe instructor, Paul Brown
THE LUMPKIN LETTER Spring/Summer 2023 Spring/Summer 2023 eiu.edu/lumpkin 4 EIU and Elevate CCIC, Inc. Create New Small Business Development Center in Mattoon Eastern Illinois University and Elevate CCIC, Inc have partnered to create a Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Mattoon’s Cross County Mall. A ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the EIUElevate SBDC official opening was held April 26th. This new center will have many tools to help small business owners and entrepreneurs. “The Illinois SBDC at EIU-Elevate is a dynamic partnership between two leading institutions committed to fostering small business development and entrepreneurship,” said Elevate CCIC, Inc Director, Carlos Ortega. “We both recognized the importance of collaborating with other organizations and institutions to create a comprehensive platform that supports the advancement of the community,” he added. Dean Austin Cheney celebrated the opening of the SBDC stating that it has been a part of EIU’s strategic plan to promote engagement, partnerships and to help develop small businesses in this region of Illinois. “We would like to create a hub for all central Illinois small businesses and entrepreneurs,” Cheney said. “We are a rural area for the most part in this region. In the past, companies have had to go to places such as Chicago to find the support and resources they have needed. We want to provide those same services and support to area small business owners here in Central Illinois,” he added. Services to be offered at this SBDC include confidential business guidance, training, and other resources for start-ups and existing small businesses. EIU President-Elect, Jay Gatrell cuts the ribbon at the EIU-Elevate Small Business Development Center opening Industry experts representing seven partner companies took part in Lumpkin College’s ‘Supply Chain Symposium – Keeping Supply Lines Open Through the Global Pandemic’ in Roberson Auditorium. After opening remarks by Lumpkin College Dean, Austin Cheney, the event was moderated by professor Dr. Gurkan Akalin. Throughout the twohour panel discussion, supply chain professionals shared the extraordinary measures they took to keep vital supply lanes open, from the initial lockdown imposed in March 2020 to the present day. Industry experts spoke of supply shortages, ports backlogged with container ship traffic, rising and falling fuel costs, seeking alternative vendors for multiple products and even having to source and allocate quantities of vital supplies such as masks during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lumpkin College is grateful to our partners, TMC, PepsiCo-Quaker, OTR, Fastenal, Love’s Travel Stops, Rural King and Enterprise, for their participation. Lumpkin College Hosts Premiere Supply Chain Event Kenneth Kyle (L) of TMC and Brad Hollifield (R) of Love’s Travel Centers Matthew Davis of Quaker/PepsiCo speaking of the challenges during COVID
THE LUMPKIN LETTER Spring/Summer 2023 Spring/Summer 2023 eiu.edu/lumpkin 5 Effingham Alumna Wins 2023 Excellence in Business Award Lumpkin College alumna, Tina Brumleve, and her husband, Scott, received the Effingham County Chamber’s 2023 Excellence in Business Award for their company Designs Unlimited (DU) in Teutopolis, IL. Designs Unlimited began with a dream in 2005, which was born from near-tragedy. “In 2002, we both had great jobs, a brand new house, and three young children (ages 5, 3, and 4 months), then our lives went spiraling.” she said. “On March 7, 2002, our 5 year-old son, Kyle, was diagnosed with a very aggressive and rare form of muscle cancer. Our lives changed forever in that moment.” “For the next year, our lives were focused on a fight against cancer. After 6 surgeries, 18 hours of radiation, 106 chemo treatments, and countless nights in the Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, Kyle beat the disease, and is still in remission today.” Once clear of the storm, Scott and Tina made plans at the kitchen table and set up shop in their basement. “We always wanted to be entrepreneurs,” she added. “This nightmarish chapter in our lives ultimately gave us the strength and paved the way for us to be able to take the leap of faith needed to start our Designs Unlimited journey.” The business grew quickly and in 2007 they moved into a commercial building in Teutopolis. Designs Unlimited is a full-service merchandising company that specializes in screen-printing, embroidered apparel and promotional products, including laser engraved items. They offer online stores, employee apparel programs, and select fulfillment services. “Our goal is to help build connections through our product offerings. We connect companies to their brands, customers to their employees, and people to their communities and passions in life,” said Tina. “We strive to build long-lasting relationships through positivity, kindness, dependability, and a superior end user experience.” In 2021, with a 3-year revenue growth of 112%, DU was ranked on the Inc. 5000 list, ranking as one of the nation’s fastest growing private companies. This annual list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the America’s most dynamic segment—small independent businesses. After several expansions and renovations to their existing facility, construction of a new corporate headquarters began in June 2022 and was completed in March 2023. The new facility boasts much needed square footage for additional presses and equipment. “Through these past 17 years of growth, DU has stayed loyal to our mission and values. DU is guided by these key core values:” - Give 110% - Be respectful and honest - Strive for Excellence - Do what you say, ALWAYS - Invest time and talent into your community. Tina says, “My passions in life mimic the Designs Unlimited core values. At the end of the day, I want to make a difference in this community and in this business. I want to leave this life having contributed. I am a person of faith and believe that small things can make a huge difference in this world.” Tina has supported her community by serving on the T-town Board of Education, Teutopolis’ Sportsbackers, as a member of Teutopolis for Tomorrow, a trustee and Ladies’ CCW President at St. Francis Parish, and as an investor in the Effingham CEO Program. - “Push yourself outside your comfort zone.” - “Be adaptable. Your life will NOT go as planned.” - “When the burdens of life overwhelm you and you’re not sure where to start.... just start.” - Tina Brumleve, Owner, Designs Unlimited, Inc - Tina says, “Designs Unlimited is extremely grateful for the overwhelming support from Effingham County and the surrounding areas. To each of you, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your support! We are thankful beyond words for your partnership, and we look forward to a future with each of you!” Scott and Tina Brumleve receiving the 2023 Excellence in Business Award Designs Unlimited’s recently-completed production facility in Teutopolis, IL
THE LUMPKIN LETTER Spring/Summer2023 6 School of Technology Students and Professors Shine at ATMAE Conference School of Technology students and professors were invited to present their research projects at the Association of Technology, Management and Applied Engineering (ATMAE) conference in Louisville, KY in November 2022. ATMAE conferences are held annually at various locations in the United States. November’s conference had an acceptance rate of a less than 42%. The School of Technology made an impressive showing with five students accepted and three faculty members who presented at the event. PRESENTATIONS INCLUDED Spring/Summer 2023 eiu.edu/lumpkin ATMAE Conference attendees included: (L-R) Lumpkin College Dean, Dr. Austin Cheney, (students) Kesava Prajwal Chekka, Isra Abo Iqsaysa, Eric Ogbe, Lumpkin School of Technology Chair, Dr. Mahmoud Al-Odeh, and Associate professor Dr. Toqeer Israr OPTICAL FIBER TECHNOLOGY FOR VERSATILE LEDBASED ILLUMINATION by Eric Ogbe, MS in Sustainability This study recommends that fiber optic and LED lighting technology be used to build a variety of indoor and outdoor decorations, expanding the application field of fiber optic and LED lighting technology and promoting the growth of the lighting industry. It also showed how to create a beautiful, illuminative, and immersive wall decoration using fiber optic lighting technology and Arduino Nano-driven LEDs. LOAD FORECASTING TO IMPROVE ENERGY EFFICIENCY by Isra Abo Iqsaya, MS in Sustainability Load forecasting supports the planning and investment process of an organization by estimating future needs. Good planning results in a more reliable electrical grid, which in turn leads to greater financial benefits. It also increases the occupants’ comfort, manages energy consumption, and increases overall energy efficiency. The study used data collected by the UMASS Smart Home project. Data included high-resolution datasets for five smart homes, along with local weather data to support the load forecast. MATLAB will be used to run an AI logarithm (neural network) for the load’s forecast. A DATA ANOMALY DETECTION TOOL by Kesava Prajwal Chekka, MS in Technology In the world of big data, huge amounts of data are generated and stored into databases. There are many issues with data in terms of volume, variety, and velocity, due to pipeline breakage, writing, documenting, and data feed mismatches. Examples are invalid emails and phone numbers due to fraud, duplicates or typing errors. DataFacts parses out bad information by making validity checks, completeness checks and by finding possible duplicate data from massive data collection sites. This unique software has the ability to help save companies thousands, if not millions of dollars annually. SMART ATTENDANCE SYSTEM BASED ON FACIAL RECOGNITION by Gowtham Dhanekula and presented by Dr. Toqeer Israr Traditional attendance systems in most classrooms employ paper and pen with students raising their hands or saying “Here!” The Smart Attendance System utilizes a camera within the room and real-time facial recognition as opposed to traditional methods, saving precious minutes in the classroom and helping eliminate fraud. This system could also be used to check authorized and unauthorized attendees at events like the ATMAE conference. MENTAL WELLNESS APPLICATION FOR COLLEGE AND OFFICE by Srileka Poli and presented by Dr. Toqeer Israr With ever-increasing awareness of depression and anxiety, this application is designed not to treat, but rather help diagnose whether a person should seek medical assistance for their suspected condition. Utilizing HTML, CSS, Bootstrap, and Tableau, clients can interact with a ChatBot to help determine a recommendation for professional help or whether a person is just having a bad day.
SPRING 2023 eiu.edu/lumpkin THE LUMPKIN LETTER Spring/Summer 2023 SPRING 2023 eiu.edu/lumpkin 7 Faculty and staff have been engaging in a series of strategic planning meetings, collaborating to create a strong future. School of Business team members met in group and breakout sessions to analyze and improve on current programs and to lay out the framework for continued success. School of Business Sets Course for a Strong Future School of Business Department Chair, Dr. David Martin addressing LCBT Faculty and Staff EIU president-elect, Jay Gatrell, held a Town Hall Meeting for strategic planning in Lumpkin Hall’s Roberson Auditorium. As a part of campus-wide planning, Dr. Gatrell and staff shared Eastern’s overall vision as well as fielded questions and concerns from town hall attendees. EIU President-Elect Holds Town Hall Meeting at Lumpkin College Dr. Jay Gatrell fielding questions from students, faculty and staff Students Embark on Italian Adventure with Study Abroad Lumpkin College students had the educational experience of a lifetime with LCBT’s Study Abroad this past May. Hosted by Drs. David Melton and Nicholas Robinson, Study Abroad is a 20-day program where students discovered Rome, Florence, Venice, and other Italian cities and villages. They visited the ancient ruins and sites such as the Colosseum, the Forum and the Vatican. Students also cruised the canals and streets of Venice. Students learned how to make pasta at Caponi Pasta in Pontedera, as well as Italian winemaking at Mariottini Winery in Arezzo. They experienced the culture and lifestyle of Italy and admired the famous works of Renaissance artists such as Michelangelo and Leonardo DaVinci. They met with Italian leather artisan, Alicia Firenze, and toured the Pagani sportscar factory.
THE LUMPKIN LETTER Spring/Summer 2023 Spring/Summer2023 eiu.edu/lumpkin 8 Students tested their sales skills at the Spring Sales Competition in Lumpkin Hall. Each of the 16 participants not only pitched a product, but they also marketed themselves and why they were the judges’ best candidate in an “elevator speech” segment. Competitors first presented to judges privately, then the finalists were chosen and got to present their sales pitches to the entire group. Marketing majors Zakiya Johnson and Cameron Krager took top honors. Other finalists included Anthony Manaves, Kate Stevens and Madison Freeman. Following the Lumpkin College competition, Cameron Krager and Madison Freeman participated in the National Shore Sales Competition at Salisbury University in Salisbury, Maryland, where they pursued the national collegiate sales title. Students Compete at National Sales Challenge Finalists (L-R) Anthony Manaves, Madison Freeman, Zakiya Johnson, Cameron Krager, and Kate Stevens Zakiya Johnson pictured with Dr. Farhad Sadeh (L), and EIU Alum Rich Blakeman (R) Coles County high school entrepreneurs from Elevate’s Class E, visited Lumpkin College to learn more about the Schools of Business and Technology. After a brief welcome to Lumpkin College by Dean Austin Cheney; students engaged in presentations from Dr. Mahmoud Al-Odeh, Chair of the School of Technology and Dr. David Martin, Chair of the School of Business, who shared information about their programs. Class E is a countywide program offered by Elevate Business Center in Mattoon that offers business-minded high school students the opportunity to receive hands-on instruction focused on entrepreneurial thinking and business best practices. High School Entrepreneurs Visit Lumpkin College Lumpkin College Dean, Dr. Austin Cheney addressing the class Dept. Chair, Dr. Mahmoud Al-Odeh speaking about School of Technology majors and minors School of Business Dept. Chair, Dr. David Martin shares School of Business majors and minors Madison Freeman (L) and Cameron Krager (R) at the National Shore Sales Competition
THE LUMPKIN LETTER Spring/Summer 2023 Spring/Summer 2023 eiu.edu/lumpkin 9 School of Business Students Receive Top Honors Pictured (L-R) School of Business Chair, Dr. David Martin, Cameron Krager, Megan Higgins, Elizaveta Bukrava-Ulanova (Dean Giffin Award), Ryan Escudero, and Makenzie Balcerak Management Majors Summerlyn Smith (L) and Kathya Munoz Flores (R) celebrate with management professor Dr. Mark Bayer Students, faculty and staff gathered for the School of Business Student Spring Awards Ceremony in Roberson Auditorium. Each student received honorary certificates in their respective majors. The Dean Giffin Award was given to international student-athlete Elizaveta Bukrava-Ulanova for academic excellence. Sink or Swim: It’s The Shark Tank Seniors with entrepreneurship minors ventured into the deep end at EIU’s Shark Tank. Sponsored by alumnus, Bill Skeens, Shark Tank is the capstone project for the entrepreneurship minor. It was hosted by Dr. Marko Grünhagen, Distinguished Professor of Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Students created a sustainable venture, found financial funding sources, evaluated legal aspects of incorporating a new venture and developed a venture plan. Then, they entered Shark Tank and presented their plans to EIU alumni, faculty and fellow students. Afterwards, students received their certificates of completion. Seniors with Entrepreneurship Minors received their certificates of completion at the end of the event Faculty, Staff and Student Recognized at Spring Awards Banquet Faculty, staff and one student were recognized by their peers at the Lumpkin College Spring Awards Banquet which was held in EIU’s Grand Ballroom. Also recognized was a top donor in the Industry Partners Program (IPP). School of Technology Professor, Dr. Isaac Slaven, was given the award for Excellence in Achievement. Instructor, Paul Brown, was recognized for Excellence in Developing Resources and Innovation. LCBT Hub Director, Amy Annis, was recognized for Excellence in Growth and Quality. Michael P. Dobbs was honored with the School of Technology Outstanding Student Award. Levi, Ray & Shoup, Inc. was also recognized for their Premiere-Level Sponsorship in Lumpkin College’s Industry Partners Program. This award was accepted by LCBT alumna Ms. Krupal Swami. Dean Austin Cheney addressing the audience Award recipients (L-R) Dr. Isaac Slaven, Hub Director Amy Annis, Krupal Swami (accepting Premiere Sponsorship for LRS), Dean Austin Cheney, Instructor Paul Brown and student Michael P. Dobbs EIU President-Elect Dr. Jay Gatrell was in attendance
THE LUMPKIN LETTER Spring/Summer 2023 Spring/Summer 2023 eiu.edu/lumpkin 10 Spring Student Socials February Lumpkin College students took a little time out from their studies for a RIDE INTO THE DANGER ZONE with an exclusive viewing of the movie ‘Top Gun - Maverick’ in Roberson Auditorium. Students feasted on popcorn, snacks and refreshments while cozied up watching Maverick and his team go ballistic in this non-stop thriller. Dean Cheney hamming it up at the popcorn stand March Ten teams engaged in a heated battle at Lumpkin College’s trivia night. Topics included facts about Lumpkin College faculty and staff, animals, arts and literature, pop culture and history. Participants were treated to a beef and turkey carving station, vegetarian spring rolls, mini cheesecakes, decadent Ghirardelli brownies, refreshments and prizes. Dean Cheney hosted the night’s events Delta Sigma Pi’s team Old Gold ready for a fun evening The dining hall staff served an array of delectable delights and refreshments The Red Hot Trivia Peppers hoping to take the big prize April With the help of Charleston’s newly-opened Dunkin’ Donuts, the last student social of the semester was a real splash with Dunkin’ the Dean! Dean Cheney was a great sport and incredibly brave as he entered the cold water dunk tank on a chilly April morning. Students stayed warm with coffee and 1,000 donuts provided by Dunkin’ Donuts. Donations from this event went to help support the campus food bank. Students could donate nonperishable goods or cash donations. In exchange, students, faculty and staff could step up to the line and pitch softballs and try to dunk the dean. Dunkin’ the Dean netted over 175 non-perishable items Dean Cheney and Team Dunkin’ and more than $300 to support EIU’s Food Pantry. were prepared for the big day EIU student taking a shot at dunking the dean Lumpkin advisors pose with a cold and soggy Dean
THE LUMPKIN LETTER Spring/Summer2023 Spring/Summer 2023 eiu.edu/lumpkin 11 When most think of Illinois, they might picture Chicago, and then endless miles of corn and beans, but this has not always been the case in the Land of Lincoln. “Fun fact,” said EIU Alumnus and co-owner of Warren James Winery, Cole Pierce, “Illinois was the fourth-largest producer of grapes before Prohibition. It was Prohibition that forced farmers to switch from grapes to products like corn and beans.” In recent years that trend has begun to change as wineries are appearing across the prairie. Cole Pierce, and his brother Blake, of Mattoon are part of this trend of bringing wineries back to Illinois. Warren James Winery, named from the brothers’ middle names, is the culmination of over eight years of planning for the Pierce family. “In 2015, I graduated from Eastern with a master’s degree in Sports Administration. My undergraduate was Sports Management with a minor in Business at Lumpkin College,” said Cole. “After graduating I had a decision: move to a large city where there was a market for my education, or risk it, follow my dream and provide something our community needs.” Despite alredy having a master’s degree, Cole had to further his education. “I took classes about winemaking with Washington State University.” he said. “The course required me to get three certifications. The first was Viticulture, learning how to grow grapes. The second was Oenology, which is winemaking, and then a course in Wine Business Management.” Most of the classwork was online, but there were ten weekends where Cole had to travel to Washington state for hands-on training, such as pruning vines, caring for the land, and learning about the winemaking process. After completing certifications, the brothers needed to find land. “Ideally we wanted to locate Warren James within five minutes of the I-57 interchange in Mattoon,” he said. It took them over one year to find land to purchase. “We ultimately purchased 55 acres of land that was within five minutes of the I-57 interchange. The land was not posted for sale. We just asked, and they were willing to sell it to us.” “When growing grapes, you want to control the surroundings. Certain chemicals can be harmful to grapes,” Cole said, citing chemicals can drift onto neighboring parcels when sprayed. The land is nice. It’s surrounded by trees for future growth, I know the local farmers and I trust them.” Beginning in the spring of 2022 and continuing into the fall, they planted their first 2.5 acre vineyard. “We have 1,000 vines and eight varietals currently growing,” he said. “In this tiny plot we have over ten miles of trellis wire, drainage tiles and irrigation lines. That’s enough to reach from Mattoon to Charleston.” They also have a large building for hosting guests and parties and a pond with a walking path. The far east of the property will have walking paths, 26 acres of pollinator plants, and beehives to produce honey for making mead. “My experience at EIU was a transformational. At one time I was taking engineering technology and lot of other classes that made me who I am and put me where I am today,” said Cole. When asked about community response, Cole said he has been completely blown away by all the positive feedback: “My hope is that Warren James will become a cornerstone of the community. I hope to use this business to help the community, to give back to the place that made me who I am.” Although their vineyards will not produce viable fruits for a few more years, the family plans to open July 2023, creating wines with grapes from partner wineries. Once Warren James is producing its own fruits, Cole says they should be able to produce around 1,600 cases annually on their original 2.5 acre plot, with possibly more vineyards and orchards coming in future years. Lumpkin College Alumni Open Local Winery Aerial view of Warren James’ winery and event building Co-owner Cole Pierce showing layout of 2.5 acre vineyard Winery pond with plans for a 26-acre pollinator plot, walking path and beehives along the distant tree line
THE LUMPKIN LETTER Spring/Summer 2023 Spring/Summer 2023 eiu.edu/lumpkin 12 PREMIERE LEVEL BLUE LEVEL Lumpkin College Wishes to Thank Our Industry Partners
THE LUMPKIN LETTER Spring/Summer2023 Spring/Summer 2023 eiu.edu/lumpkin 13 Lumpkin College Wishes to Thank Our Industry Partners GREY LEVEL INDUSTRY LEVEL
THE LUMPKIN LETTER A PUBLICATION OF THE LUMPKIN COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY Spring/Summer 2023 eiu.edu/lumpkin Lumpkin College of Business and Technology 600 Lincoln Avenue Charleston, IL 61920