R O U N D U P 2019-2020
Dear Ranger Family, Welcome to the 2019-2020 issue of roundUP, which once again celebrates the journeys of our alumni and the ever-growing legacy of Northwestern. We have always considered, without saying it, that each issue is dedicated to every single alum. This year, however, we have taken a different approach and stepped out of our “routine.” In February we said our “see you laters” to Allison (Cunningham) Zimmerman, ‘09. At the age of 33 her life on earth ended, but the beautiful spirit and the optimistic essence of Allison left an imprint on our hearts. This remarkable woman of grace remains a blessing and her story continues. I first met Allison as a colleague when I began working at the Northwestern Foundation & Alumni Association office in December 2013. Allison shared with all of us a calming presence that included perseverance, loyalty to the mission, concern for others and natural class. Her contributions were noteworthy, and she was a joy to work with. She left our group to move full-time into the mass communications classroom as an instructor in August 2014. Allison’s passion for helping her students succeed went far beyond the classroom and video labs. In one-on-one conversations, she dispensed advice, encouragement and – as I have heard from several of her students – the “push” students needed to believe in themselves and to raise their ambitions to new levels. Allison made a difference. It was noted in her obituary that Allison’s greatest joy was dancing with her children – Brooklyn and Zane – in the kitchen of their home. This was not surprising to me. Her strength to press on, set aside life’s obstacles and appreciate her blessings with unfettered happiness is undeniable. As I wrote earlier, Allison’s story continues. It is within the hearts and souls of her many students who will take Allison’s lessons, her kindness and her encouragement with them to share with another generation. Her story continues in her children and her family who experienced her enormous capacity to love. And her story lives in all of us who knew her and loved her; knowing Allison made all of us better people. Allison’s zest for life fills me with hope. I hope that every educator – here at Northwestern and across the globe, even those with “tough-as-nails” reputations – will have Allison’s determination to do all they can to help their students be successful. I hope that all of us, like Allison, can share kindness. And like Allison, I hope that every single one of us will enthusiastically, without reservation, dance…with our children, our family and our friends. Kick off the shoes, throw on the laughter, and dance. Feel blessed. Share joy. Make a difference. Allison, this one is for you.
John Allen Director, Alumni Relations Northwestern Foundation & Alumni Association
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