posted on 1/2/09
SJC Art Professor Named Distinguished Fellow by the Art Education Association of Indiana, Inc.
Bonnie Zimmer, associate professor of Art and Education at Saint Joseph's College received the status of Distinguished Fellow at the Art Education Association of Indiana (AEAI) annual conference held in November. The program recognizes exemplary contributions to the field of art education and to AEAI by its members. Those achieving recognition as AEAI Distinguished Fellows have amassed a record of continuous teaching, service, leadership, and dedication to art education that is outstanding.
Zimmer, a practicing artist, has been teaching at SJC since 1980 and has been an active member of AEAI since 1989. "I have always been committed to the professional development of teachers and to the importance of art teachers being artists," said Zimmer. Zimmer is also the co-founder of the Prairie Arts Council, has served as juror for many arts competitions and exhibits, and served on many state committees and panels involving arts and education.
Marilyn Hanson, Zimmer's nominator, explains that "Bonnie's mother was an art teacher, and Bonnie continued her legacy of enriching others through her own artwork and as a vibrant art educator from elementary through college levels. Her dedication is viewed through her numerous grants and special projects that she has promoted. She has been an inspiration to me and many art educators throughout Indiana."
Saint Joseph's College, named a "character-building college" by the Templeton Foundation and a "best Midwestern college" by the Princeton Review, is a four-year, Catholic, liberal arts college offering 75 major, minor and pre-professional programs. Founded and sponsored by the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, SJC is located in Rensselaer, Ind., approximately 90 minutes from both Chicago and Indianapolis, on a park-like campus of 180 acres and has an enrollment of over 1,000 students.