The College has lost a dear friend and colleague who touched the lives of many of our CJC alumni. Hugh Cunningham passed away on Friday, Feb. 27, in Gainesville. He was 93.

In 1955, Hugh was recruited by Rae Weimer to join the budding School of Journalism at UF, where Weimer’s goal was to build the College through experience by hiring practicing journalists. As a professor at the University, Cunningham led groundbreaking programs providing practical and hands-on experience for UF journalism students at the Gainesville Sun and St. Petersburg Times, and graduates he mentored became recognized journalists.  He worked alongside such CJC legends as John Paul Jones Jr., H.G. “Buddy” Davis, Jack Detweiler, Jon Roosenraad, Jean Chance and Jo Anne Smith.

During the latter part of Hugh’s 35 years at UF he served as the university’s director of communications. On his 80th birthday, the University of Florida established the Hugh W. Cunningham Professorship of Journalism Excellence with contributions from former students and others.  Master Lecturer Mike Foley holds that professorship today.

Last Friday Jean Chance shared one of her favorite stories about Hugh: She said that when Rae Weimer was in the hospital just before he died, Hugh went there every day and read the newspaper to Rae. This is just one example of how generous Hugh was with both students and colleagues.

Hugh is predeceased by his wife of 57 years Eleanor Hendrix Cunningham, daughter Kay Puder and grandson Casey Puder of Gainesville, as well as by his brother William A. Cunningham of Granbury Texas. He is survived by sons Rob (and Amy) and Chuck (and Aries); by granddaughters Allison (Amador), Wendy, and Alyx; by three great-granddaughters; and by Nicole Haynes, loving caregiver to him, his wife and their daughter for the past eight years.

A memorial service will be held at Faith Presbyterian Church (5916 NW 39th Avenue Gainesville, FL 32606) on Thursday, March 5, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Community Presbyterian Church (20098 North US Highway 441 P.O. Box 616 McIntosh, FL 32664) or to Faith Presbyterian Church. Interment will occur a day prior to the memorial service and will be private to family. Arrangements are in the care of Forest Meadows Funeral Home. An online guestbook is available for condolences at www.forestmeadowsfh.com.

To see the Gainesville Sun’s article on Hugh’s legacy, go to: www.gainesville.com/article/20150302/ARTICLES/150309947/1182?Title=UF-journalism-icon-Hugh-Cunningham-paired-practical-theoretical-in-pushing-students

Posted: March 3, 2015
Category: College News
Tagged as: Hugh Cunningham