Dartblog

At its best, the College hires exceptional people and gives them the liberty to excel. The renaissance of the Dartmouth College Gospel Choir under Walter Cunningham is further proof, as if it were needed (but regrettably it is), that there is a real difference between first- and third-rate people.

President Kim needs to take great care in appointing the senior members of his adminstration and in hiring faculty members. Relevant past achievement and a broad base of experience are good indicators of future success — necessary ones, I believe, before someone can take a post at a top-tier school.

How many people do you know with a background as interesting as Walt Cunningham’s? Iowa, West Point, Viagra, gospel music, Hanover.

Here is Walt’s bio from the liner notes of his CD, I Feel the Spirit:

A standout in his native Iowa, Walt excelled in many different areas. Declining a scholarship to Julliard, Walt decided to attend West Point making him one of only a thousand plus black Americans to graduate from the distinguished military academy. After fulfilling his military obligation, his communication skills won him the prestigious opportunity to serve as a national spokesperson for West Point.

Walt further honed those skills in the business sector working for corporate giants Pfizer, Inc and Wilson Learning. Over a 12 year period he has worked in sales, training and development, and performance consulting, earning many awards including top regional salesman for the launch of Viagra.

During all the above Walt has always been involved with his God given gift of music. Whether it was as a lead in the many musicals, or as the cadet in charge of gospel choir at West Point, he somehow found a way to stay connected to his love of music. He has been actively involved in the local gospel music arena as a minister of music for several different Chicago-land churches and has conducted gospel music workshops across the mid-western and eastern U.S. It was at this time that he founded the community group now called One Accord.

Following his passion is what led Walt to the Ivy League where he is the Ensemble Conductor for the gospel choir at Dartmouth College. During his 5 year tenure, response has been amazing! The ensemble has become the most popular ensemble on campus with attendance numbers tripling over the same timeframe.

Walter Cuningham, Jr. achieved his success the old fashioned way.