Alfred University awards honorary degree to alumnus, noted business leader Peter Cuneo ’67

ALFRED, NY – Alfred University on Tuesday, April 19, conferred a second honorary degree on alumnus Peter Cuneo, a 1967 graduate renowned for his ability to turn around struggling businesses.

Cuneo, who earned a bachelor’s degree in ceramic engineering from Alfred University in 1967, was awarded the honorary degree Doctor of Commerce, honoris causa, Tuesday evening. The conferral was made following Cuneo’s presentation on leadership in Nevins Theater, Powell Campus Center.

Cuneo is highly regarded in the business world for successfully turning around several struggling businesses—including Remington, Black and Decker and, most notably, Marvel Entertainment. When he became president in 1999, Marvel was a comic book publisher, just emerging from bankruptcy. Peter revitalized the company, transforming it into Marvel Entertainment, before it was sold to the Disney Corporation for $4.5 billion. In 2019, he created CIIG Merger Corp., special purpose acquisition company that merged with British electric-vehicle startup company Arrival for a combined valuation estimate of $5.4 billion.

A sought-after speaker, Cuneo has given talks on leadership throughout the world. During his presentation Tuesday evening, titled “How You Can Become a Superhero Leader,” Cuneo spoke of the importance of mentorship, which Alfred University alumnus Greg Connors ’92, Board of Trustees chair referred to in presenting Cuneo for his honorary degree.

“Peter doesn’t just talk the talk, he walks the walk,” Connors said. “He has been a tremendous mentor to me.”

Cuneo served 27 years on the Board of Trustees, including six as Board Chair, and in 2020 he was confirmed as Chair Emeritus Life Trustee. Tuesday marked the second honorary degree Cuneo has received from his alma mater; in 2013 he was awarded the degree Doctor of Humane Letter, honoris causa.

Mark Zupan, Alfred University president, noted that Cuneo was to receive the Doctor of Commerce, honoris causa, degree in May 2020, when Cuneo was to deliver the keynote address at Commencement. COVID changed those plans—Commencement was held virtually that spring— and delayed the conferral nearly two years. “You are now a three-time alumnus,” Zupan remarked. Congratulations, Doctor, Doctor Cuneo.”