UF remembers journalism professor Hugh Cunningham

March 3, 2015

University of Florida journalism-education pioneer Hugh Cunningham passed away on Friday, Feb. 27, in Gainesville. He was 93.
 
In 1955, Cunningham was recruited by the dean of the budding School of Journalism, Rae Weimer, whose goal was to build the college by hiring practicing journalists. As a professor, Cunningham led groundbreaking programs providing practical and hands-on experience for UF journalism students at the Gainesville Sun and St. Petersburg Times. 
 
During the latter part of Cunningham’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.
 
A memorial service will be held at Faith Presbyterian Church (5916 NW 39th Avenue Gainesville, FL 32606) on Thursday, March 5 at 4 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 be prior to the memorial service and will be private to family. An online guestbook is available for condolences at www.forestmeadowsfh.com.