Since 2015, Judie Zimomra, MPA ’82, has been helping provide tomorrow’s leaders in the MPA program with crucial financial support through the Charles Jr. and Anna Harmon Zimomra Scholarship for the John Glenn College of Public Affairs. Recently, she decided to fully endow the fund through an estate gift by naming the college in her will.
Zimomra’s support of educational opportunities and the well-being of her community was cultivated by her parents. Her father, Charles Zimomra Jr., was appointed and subsequently elected to the Newton Falls Exempted Village Schools board. He passed away while in office, and her mother, Anna Jean Harmon Zimomra, was appointed to serve the remainder of his term. Zimomra stated that her parents were an inspiration throughout her career, and creating the endowment is a meaningful way to celebrate their legacy of service.
“Neither of my parents had the opportunity to pursue a college education, but they made sure all four of their children did,” said Zimomra. “Both of my parents possessed classic American values of family first and commitment to improving community through volunteerism in many areas from veterans’ affairs, youth activities and our faith-based activities. How they lived their lives every day was an education in hard work and inspiration to commitment and sacrifice for others. My father utilized a wheelchair for mobility as a disabled veteran, but his condition did not limit his ability to contribute as a public servant. It’s an honor to continue their value and vision for education with this gift.”
Zimomra, who received the 2013 Glenn College Outstanding Alumnus Award, has dedicated 42 years to public service — the last 20 serving as city manager of Sanibel Island, Florida. Zimomra will retire this fall and plans on returning to Ohio to reside and carry on her work around environmental issues and finding ways to improve water quality through public administration.