On October 21, the Center for International Studies honored a special couple – Patricia and William Cunningham — for their many years of service to the U.S. Foreign Service, the Houston community and the University of St. Thomas. The Center dedicated and blessed a room to the Cunninghams in Anderson Hall (Room 105, first floor).

Professor William Cunningham was the second director of the Center for International Studies, taking the reins in the Center’s infancy after the untimely passing of the original founder, Dr. Ann Tiller. Professor Cunningham proceeded to build the Center into Texas’ first such major interdisciplinary international center. He and his wife generously donated to the University, including a bequest upon their passing to support the Center’s Distinguished Diplomat Program and scholarship programs.

 The Center for International Studies recently celebrated its 40^th anniversary and is home to one of the largest undergraduate degrees on campus. CIS prepares students for careers in the public, private and non-profit sectors of international affairs. Students have gone on to assume positions in diplomacy, international business, intelligence, cyber security, law, and advocacy among others.