Former Professor Harvey Zimmermann continues Jerry Dake legacy

Zimmermann_Harvey.jpg

Harvey Zimmermann, UNT alum and retired G. Brint Ryan College of Business faculty member, recently helped fund the Jerry Dake Memorial Scholarship. Professor Dake, who passed away unexpectedly in 2019, was Zimmermann’s close friend and colleague, and was instrumental in the success of many UNT Institute of Petroleum Accounting students.

“I hope my gift will continue [Jerry’s] legacy of providing financial support to outstanding students so they can achieve their academic and career goals,” said Zimmermann. “From the beginning, I learned that Jerry was very supportive of his students in the classroom, as well as providing significant after-class career counseling.”

Zimmermann and Dake not only shared a passion for helping students, but they often discussed a variety of news topics every morning in Zimmermann’s office. They talked about everything from industry and the economy, to academic and political issues highlighted in the Wall Street Journal and local newspapers. Zimmermann recalled that even if they disagreed on something philosophically, Dake was always respectful during their discussions.

Zimmermann has had a successful career spanning decades. Upon retiring after 30 years with KPMG, he joined the UNT faculty and was the recipient of the “Outstanding Teacher Award” for 2004–2005. He was also a Beta Alpha Psi sponsor and the accounting intern coordinator, while instructing upper level and graduate accounting courses, and has been active in many professional organizations at UNT and in Dallas. He spent 18 years with the university and has left a lasting impression on campus.

“My time at UNT further helped me recognize the importance of financial support and a positive education experience to help students meet their academic and career goals,” said Zimmermann.

Zimmermann’s gift to the Jerry Dake Memorial Fund will ensure that his friend is never forgotten, and that future aspiring professionals will have access to the resources they require for success.