News

The Center for Political Studies (CPS) celebrated Bill Zimmerman’s 50th anniversary at the University of Michigan. Bill was first appointed in 1963 as a lecturer in the Department of Political Science. During his tenure, Professor Zimmerman witnessed major changes concerning the discipline itself and the composition of the department. The major changes he recalls were “the behavioral revolution that has been followed by a new institutionalism and the diversification of the student body and the faculty.” Bill has many years of service to the University in an administrative capacity, as well, serving as Director of the Center for Political Science, Center for Russian and East European Studies, among others. CPS Director Nancy Burns noted that Bill was instrumental in getting space for the faculty in its current location in ISR-Thompson. Previously, the offices had been scattered throughout the building, which meant that the faculty didn’t often have an opportunity to interact informally. Bill’s response was that he’s long thought that architecture and a working coffee machine are key to fostering collaboration. Congratulations to Bill!