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Burnell D. Kraft Trading Room unveiled Nov. 7 at the College of Business and Administration Burnell D. Kraft knows what it takes to succeed in the world of commodities and stock trading. And students at his alma mater, SIUC, now are benefiting from his experience -- and generosity. Kraft, a Chester native, secured $285,000 for the creation of the Burnell D. Kraft Trading Room in the College of Business and Administration. University officials, members of the region's business community and Kraft unveiled the high-tech room Nov. 7. Kraft called completion of the cutting-edge facility "a dream come true," noting he and college Dean Dan Worrell started working on plans for the room four years ago. Burnell D. Kraft shares some of his experiences during the unveiling of the trading room named in his honor in Rehn Hall. He's flanked by Chancellor Walter V. Wendler (left) and business college Dean Dan Worrell (right). The activity of the financial markets comes directly into the classroom via state-of-the-art computer equipment, a stock ticker, Smartboard, data/video projectors and plasma screens. The center plays into the University's long-range plan, Southern at 150: Building Excellence Through Commitment, by strengthening and promoting excellence in undergraduate academics. SIUC aims to be one of the nation's Top 75 public research institutions by 2019 when it celebrates its 150th anniversary. Kraft, who lives in Decatur, earned a degree in accounting from SIUC in 1956. During his school years, Kraft worked in a family owned dairy and is a part owner and vice president of Chester Dairy Co. He joined Tabor Grain directly out of college and within three years was vice president. He became executive vice president in 1961 and president in 1970. The company merged with Archer Daniels Midland of Decatur, a major food processor and exporter, in 1975. From 1976 to 1986, Kraft was president of Smoot Grain Co., an ADM subsidiary, and from 1980 to 1984 he was president of Archer Daniels Midland International S.A. From 1984 to 1994, he was corporate vice president for merchandising and hedging for ADM. From 1997 until his retirement in 2001, Kraft was senior vice president for Archer Daniels Midland. "Thanks to Burnell Kraft's generosity and his desire to help future generations succeed, our students have an opportunity to use and explore cutting-edge technology that the University simply couldn't have offered on its own," Chancellor Walter V. Wendler said. "This kind of facility enhances the classroom experience and provides an edge when our students begin looking for their first jobs." Rickey N. McCurry, SIUC's vice chancellor for institutional advancement, said Kraft's investment will pay dividends to faculty and students for years. "Mr. Kraft's generosity is particularly timely in light of budgetary constraints," McCurry said. "He has long been a supporter of his college and University, and continues to help provide our students with the opportunity to grow and succeed. We appreciate his long-standing commitment to the University." -- Tom Woolf November 19, 2003