University News

Lumley Communication Scholarship

February 3, 2015

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MACOMB, IL -- Spectrum Brands CEO Dave Lumley has made a gift of stock valued at just over $100,000 to Western Illinois University to establish a scholarship in communication. Lumley graduated from WIU in 1976 with degree in a mass communications.

"Journalism teaches you how to organize your thoughts, to get to the key issues and to be specific," said Lumley. "It also teaches you how to communicate, the key attribute for successful leaders in business."

Lumley's business background includes nearly 30 years experience in the consumer products industry, having served as president of Rubbermaid Home Products, president and CEO of EAS, president of Brunswick Bicycles, senior vice president for Outboard Marine Corporation and serving in a variety of roles with Wilson Sporting Goods and other companies. He believes the many options for participation at WIU - the school newspaper, yearbook, television station, athletic teams (Lumley also was a member of Leathernecks Football) and speakers visiting campus - are what prepared him for his career.

Lumley is the recipient of the Alumni Achievement and Distinguished Alumni awards, and he currently serves on WIU President Jack Thomas' National Advisory Council. He has supported many areas of campus over the years, including athletics, alumni programs and the departments of communication and broadcasting.

"Western provides opportunities to a wide group of students," said Lumley. "A scholarship can make the difference of staying in school, getting a job or getting into graduate school. My hope is to provide assistance to deserving students, to keep them in school and ease the financial burden."

The Lumley Scholarship will be awarded to a junior communication major involved in activities such as the Western Courier, campus television or a special project. Lumley encourages students to "take charge of their own plans: get an internship, seek out help from others, achieve good grades and participate in activities outside the classroom."

"I appreciate Dave's continued generous support of Western," said Vice President for Advancement and Public Services Brad Bainter. "He sets a great example as one who received scholarship support while a student at Western and is now 'paying it back.' His endowed scholarship will provide outstanding support for students in perpetuity."


Posted By: Julie Murphy, WIU Foundation (WIUNews@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing