The community of GCC is mourning the death of a beloved friend of the college, Jeanne Cunningham, who died March 21 in her home in Westlake Village, at 79.

Cunningham first made an appearance on the campus when she decided to continue her education in the Adult Re-entry Program. Following her transfer to Cal State L.A. (where she received her bachelors degree) and then onto USC (where she received her masters degree), Cunningham returned to GCC, thus making her education come full circle.

She began teaching psychology part-time at the college in 1973 and then moved onto a full-time position in 1977. In addition to her teaching career, which she retired in 2001, Cunningham was active in other areas of the college.

She was a participant in the Academic Senate, where she served a term as president and later continued to be an active member.

Due to her many contributions Cunningham won numerous awards, including the Dr. William Parker Exceptional Service Award in 1994.

Again, she brought the achievements full circle, as she also established the Homemaker Academic Award, which awards “students that function as a homemaker with dependent children while attaining academic excellence at GCC,” according to the college catalog, and therefore giving other students the same opportunities that she had.
In addition to this scholarship, she also made personal contributions, such as monetary donations and books on women’s issues, to the college that allowed the Women’s Resource Center t be developed.

Cunningham was often referred to as “a champion and supporter of women on campus,” according to press releases about her life, and she will most certainly be missed.

A memorial service will be held April 29 in Kreider Hall.