Elmhurst University Athletics

As an administrator at Elmhurst College, Dr. James Cunningham had a tremendous hand in helping to shape Bluejay athletics. He joined the College in 1969 as Associate Dean of Students and saw the College rejoin the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin. He became Dean of Students in 1973 and the College began to see tremendous growth in athletics.

During his time as Dean of Students, the Bluejays enjoyed one of their most successful eras in athletics. The Elmhurst baseball team captured six CCIW Championships and advanced to the NCAA playoffs seven times. The expansion and prominence of women's athletics also grew under his tenure, and he oversaw the Bluejay volleyball team win a pair of NCAA Championships and finish as an NCAA runner-up.

Cunningham also helped oversee the renovation of the former gymnasium at the College and then the construction of the Physical Education Center (now R.A. Faganel Hall) in 1984.