Joseph J. Zimmerman ’61
ALMA — Alma College has announced the creation of a $1.5 million endowed chair of English to honor one of the college’s most generous benefactors, Joseph J. Zimmerman ’61.
In recognition of Zimmerman’s achievements and contributions at Alma College, the Joseph J. Zimmerman ’61 Endowed Chair in English is intended to attract or recognize an esteemed faculty member in English who demonstrates a distinguished record of academic excellence and enriches the institution’s history. The initial award will be made for the 2025-26 academic year.
The Zimmerman Endowed Chair in English is only the second endowed chair in Alma College’s history and the first to be established since 1992, when the Reid-Knox Chair of American History was announced.
“The fact that this is so rare in Alma College’s history underscores how much we value Joseph Zimmerman’s accomplishments and philanthropic legacy in the English department at Alma College, and through the college broadly,” said Sean Burke, provost and vice president of academic affairs. “This contribution will help secure the college’s traditionally strong liberal arts program: grounded in the humanities and preparing students for lifelong learning and leadership within a wide array of vocations.”
Burke continued that the chair will help develop innovative educational programs, foster collaborations across the college and academic fields, support the recruitment and mentoring of new faculty members, and outreach to the broader community. For students, the chair will serve as a mentor, involve them in research, connect them to other scholars throughout the world, and share their vast scholarship and experience.
Joseph J. Zimmerman died in 2017 at the age of 78. Originally of Traverse City, Mich., during his time at Alma College he was a history major with minors in French and economics, and graduated in 1961. He completed a Juris Doctor degree at the University of Michigan before returning home to work as an attorney, practicing in areas including general civil, estate planning, probate, real estate and workers compensation. He had the honor of being an assistant attorney general in the state of Michigan.
Zimmerman was also involved with civic affairs; serving on the Traverse Area Industrial Fund, the Traverse City Fire and Police Department Retirement System, and one of the state’s first public utility companies, Traverse City Light and Power.
“English education at colleges and universities across the United States and at Alma College is ambitiously evolving in order to meet the needs of a similarly changing world,” said Matthew Cicci, associate professor of digital rhetoric and composition and chair of the English department at Alma College. “This generous gift will provide Alma College an opportunity to be a pioneer in that space: to chart a path that looks at oral and visual communication, along with literature, in order to provide a holistic experience that equips students with skills essential for success after graduation.”
The impact of the Zimmerman family is far-reaching at Alma College. In addition to the Endowed Chair in English, the ballroom in the Wright-Leppien Opera House was named in 2018 in honor of Joseph G. and Helen J. Zimmerman — the parents of Joseph J. Zimmerman — following a $1.4 million philanthropic investment.
“Joseph Zimmerman’s generous gift is an endorsement of the excellent work that our faculty in English and every other department does to prepare graduates who live our mission. We are looking forward to continue working with potential donors on philanthropic projects that celebrate the humanities and advance the liberal arts in similar ways,” Burke said.