[17321] in APO-L
Re: pledge class namesake
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Richard L. Cherry jr)
Fri Oct 3 11:40:34 1997
Date: Fri, 3 Oct 1997 11:32:36 -0400
Reply-To: "Richard L. Cherry jr" <richc@DMSCINC.COM>
From: "Richard L. Cherry jr" <richc@DMSCINC.COM>
To: Multiple recipients of list APO-L <APO-L@VM.CC.PURDUE.EDU>
Here is a couple of web sites.
Also of interest:
<http://www.focushope.edu/legend/news.events/1997/father/father.html>
and
<http://www.focushope.edu/>
This is what nationals sent out
"He was the type of person that puts other people before himself. He
lived his life to assist the community, the city of detroit and the
nation. He was a leader, a friend, and counselor to those who knew him"
Born in 1930 in Detroit, Michigan, William T. Cunningham began
his life
of service very early. At 13 he entered the seminary to study for the
Catholic priesthood. After ordination his dedication and abilities soon
led to achievement within the Detroit Archdiocese. He was an assistant
pastor, a columnist, and book review editor for the Michigan Catholic
magazine, a pastor of his own church, and Vicar and Constultor to the
Archdiocese of Detroit.
Cunningham was called upon to participate in many efforts that
etched
his life of service in the heart of many. He was appointed to
commissions and task forces for the city of Detroit, the state of
Michigan, and the nation. He had the great ability to work with people
as well as for people.
On particular achievment that Fr. Cunningham gave many years of
time
and effort to was the founding of fucus:Hope which is a civil and human
rights organization that start with a mission to unite blacks and whites
to build a metropolitan community where everyone could live in peace and
harmony. fucus:Hope began after the Detroit riots of 1968. Though the
years Fr. Cunningham and his staff developed a multifaceted program that
continues to work against discrimination and injustice, while building
colorblind relationships and unification of all races. The first
program to be started was a food program for families with children
under the age of 6 and then implemented for senior citizens. They now
serve over 30,000 people per month with supplemental food.
Fr. Cunningham came into the lives of the recharting group at
the
University of Detroit Mercy several years ago. He became an honorary
member and advisor to the chapter. He gave his guidance, support and
care. The brothers of Eta Pi saw a living example of our principles in
Fr. Cunningham. and they received the benefits of knowing him "up close
and personal"
In the fall of 1996 Fr. Cunningham was diagnosed with cancer.
All
attempts to prolong his rich and rewarding life were to no avail, as Fr.
Cunningham passed away this past Spring. In addition to being close to
APO during the past few years Fr. Cunningham's life was a mirror of our
principles of Leadership, Friendship and Service. It is an honor and a
privilege to announce that the 1997 Fall Pledge Class Namesake be named
for Fr. William T. Cunningham.
