Luncheon honors Professor Emeritus

April 26, 2023 - Caitlin Finerty

Faculty, staff and alumni gathered on April 5 at the Graduate in East Lansing to celebrate the M. Richard Zinman Endowed Professorship and its namesake, retired Professor Emeritus Richard Zinman.

Zinman taught at James Madison College for nearly 50 years in Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy, formerly Justice, Morality and Constitutional Democracy. During that time, he inspired students and colleagues alike, some of whom spoke at the event, sharing fond memories of the classroom with the group.

Randy Smith (JMCD ’73), a former student of Zinman’s, joked about the professor’s legendary grading system, while also crediting Zinman for making him a better writer and a more critical thinker. “Zinman was the most significant professor I ever had because he fostered a thoughtfulness that shaped the person I am today,” said Smith. 

Zinman shared his gratitude for his former students who have been so committed to supporting the college. "I tried to cultivate good citizenship," Zinman said.

Gifts to the Zinman Endowed Professorship can be made online. For questions, please contact Rocky Beckett.