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Marmion alumnus receives Ad Regnum Dei award

Brian Zimmerman, class of 2007, is the 2018 recipient of Marmion Academy's Ad Regnum Dei award.

This award, presented to Zimmerman at an all-school Mass March 21, recognizes Marmion alumni who have given evidence of sound moral character and the practice of their faith, with a record of exceptional service in programs of Gospel-based values to the community through a long-term public witness. Zimmerman's life is a powerful testament to these qualities.

In 2005, during his time as a Marmion student, Zimmerman began the Crayons for Kids school supply drive program, which has grown into an annual Marmion service event that collects and distributes thousands of school supplies to local students in need each year. As a direct result of Zimmerman's efforts and his willingness to answer the call to make an impact on the lives of others, along with the continued dedication of current Marmion and Rosary volunteers, thousands of area students have been able to start the school year with the needed supplies that they would be unable to afford on their own. Zimmerman's founding of Crayons for Kids is a phenomenal example of how one person can make a lasting impact on our society.

Following his graduation from Marmion, Zimmerman attended Syracuse University and continued to be involved in Christian service work as a college student through the Diocese of Syracuse's Catholic Charities group home program. In 2011, he graduated from Syracuse with a bachelor's degree in social work and international relations, and in 2013 earned his master's degree in social service administration from the University of Chicago.

Zimmerman has remained committed to service and social justice throughout his professional career, as he has worked continuously with nonprofit organizations at the grass-roots, local, and national levels in order to improve many of their practices and advance the missions of each organization. He has served as a strategic program consultant for many Chicago-based nonprofit organizations including the YMCA, the Shedd Aquarium, Urban Gateways, and the city of Chicago. Brian designed, developed and funded an urban renewable energy based garden program that was adopted by the YMCA of Chicago. He currently is a business intelligence lead analyst for a global events company.

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