Gilbert N. Stein, a long-time resident of Springfield helped elevate Dairy Queen to worldwide status in the 1960s. Mr. Stein became known in the business world because of his innovative franchising, marketing and mentoring skills. The University of Illinois at Springfield recognized Mr. Stein with an honorary doctorate in humane letters in 2005 for his lifetime achievements and perseverance in overcoming difficult times, a changing society and market culture, and incorporating the skills and technology needed to build Dairy Queen into an international enterprise. The Gilbert N. and Frances G. Stein Scholarship was established in 2006 by Mr. Stein. Qualified applicants will be majors of the College of Business and Management with academic merit.