The Donald Cunningham Memorial Scholarship, named in honor of a Williamsport man whose family has maintained strong ties to Pennsylvania College of Technology and its predecessor for more than three decades, has been established to help students in the College's accounting programs.
Cunningham, who lived a block from the main campus from the mid-1950s until his death in 1999, was self-employed as a bookkeeper/accountant and tax-preparer. He was the husband of Jean Cunningham, a faculty member in the Practical Nursing program from 1964-91.
All eight of the couple's children are alumni of Penn College or its predecessor, Williamsport Area Community College, including four longtime staff members.
James Cunningham, a staff member since 1988, is associate dean of information technology. Michael Cunningham, a staff member since 1978, serves as director of computer services. David Cunningham, a full-time staff member since 1988, is coordinator of tutoring. Stephen Cunningham, a full-time staff member since 1985, serves as director of strategic planning and research.
The other Cunningham children who are Penn College or W.A.C.C. alumni are Donald, 1974; Carol, 1978; Mark, 1979; and Robert, 1990. Robert was the student speaker at the first Penn College commencement in 1990.
"From our earliest memories, there was always an unspoken understanding with both my parents that they expected, and would do everything they could, to help us gain a college education," Stephen Cunningham said. "Our father was a college student, but did not have the opportunity to complete his degree. A scholarship in his name will help many students complete their degree. I know it would give him a great sense of satisfaction."
Eighty percent of the income derived from the Donald Cunningham Memorial Scholarship will be distributed annually to a minimum of one student. Contributions and pledges from family and friends total $4,555 to date.
To be eligible for the scholarship, a student must:
- Be newly enrolled full time at Penn College
- Be enrolled in an associate- or bachelor-degree program in accounting at the College
- Have a cumulative grade-point average of "B" or above
- Have applied, and be eligible for, financial aid
Preference will be given to continuing students in subsequent years, subject to GPA and financial-need ranking.