Rev. William R. Cunitz ‘74

During the 1980s and 1990s, Rev. Cunitz served the administration of Andover Newton Theological School and five presidents as Director of the 1982-85 Capital Campaign, Director of Church and Alumni/ae Relations, Director of Development and Vice President for Institutional Advancement. As a member of the school’s adjunct faculty from 1991 to 1998, he taught a course in the administration and theology of stewardship. In 1997, he helped to launch the school’s distance education program, and was among the first to teach a course at Andover Newton using the Internet.

Looking specifically at his years on the ANTS leadership team, his nominator said, “His devotion to the School and his sense of integrity carried the day through numerous difficult days in the School’s life in those years. Whether a student, an alum, or a faculty or staff member, when you were in Bill’s presence, you knew that he cared for you personally. That quality of personal concern has infused his leadership throughout his ministerial career.”

Bill served as the President/CEO of Pilgrim Place in Claremont, CA, from 1998 to 2015. An internationally known Continuing Care Retirement Community with a focus on social justice, environmental sustainability and innovative healthcare, Pilgrim Place has more than 360 residents who have served the church and humanitarian non-profit organizations. He recently directed a $26.5 million multi-phase redevelopment of the campus that now features 3 LEED certified buildings, at the time more than any other free-standing retirement community in the United States.

He has also served as a member of numerous professional and community organizations as well as his local church, Claremont United Church of Christ. Bill received the Spirit of the Hill Award in 2012 and was cited for his embodying the excellence in ministry that ANTS strives to inculcate in all its students and graduates.