Making of a Solid Education — Bequest

Richard Zimman '73 and Valerie Cox

As a pair of lifelong learners and educators, married couple Richard Zimman '73 and Valerie Cox know what makes a strong education.

Together, they have an abundance of experience at nearly all levels of education. Zimman was a middle and high school teacher for years before rising through the ranks to serve as superintendent of the Ripon Area School District until his retirement in 2013, after which he began a career in national education policy. Equally as impressive, Cox utilized her career in teaching high school at the Advanced Placement level to transition into becoming an instructor of education at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

Their careers have taught them what makes a solid education—which is exactly why they choose to support Lawrence, through their membership in the Legacy Circle and their roles as leadership supporters of the Lawrence Fund.

As students and educators, Zimman and Cox have seen firsthand what Lawrence does for its students. While attending Lawrence, Zimman developed his passion for learning and service which proved to be the foundation for his career in public education. Although not an alumna herself, Cox has worked closely with the university, supervising student teachers, presenting lectures and teaching in the AP Summer Institute on campus. Having participated in Lawrence's educational process from both sides, they have seen how Lawrence shapes its students into more knowledgeable, insightful, compassionate and accepting adults.

"We have been very fortunate in our lives, and Lawrence has played a significant role in that," Zimman and Cox stated. "If others before us had not had the foresight and willingness to donate so that Lawrence could be there for us, our lives would be lessened. We want to continue providing the same support for current and future students by paying it forward."