Charles and Kathryn Zimmerman Nicodemus H'05

Charles and Kathryn Zimmerman Nicodemus are passionate about Hood College. The lifelong Walkersville, Maryland, residents have watched the College transition and grow from a small, little-known college nestled in a residential neighborhood just outside of downtown Frederick to a nationally ranked institution. They believe that an investment in Hood is an investment in the future.

Kathryn's passion for music was their principal motivation in establishing The Kathryn Zimmerman Nicodemus H'05 Music Scholarship, a need-based endowed scholarship awarded to music students. They have also supported renovation projects for the Coffman Chapel organ. Most recently, Charlie and Kathryn recognized Hood's need for a contemporary athletic facility and funded the Nicodemus Athletic Complex as part of a comprehensive project to build a new gymnasium and fitness center in 2011.

While Charlie and Kathryn derive great joy in seeing their gifts put to immediate use, they have also invested in Hood's future through their personal estate planning. In addition to the benefits of a charitable gift annuity, the Nicodemuses have included Hood College as a beneficiary in their will. They are quick to say that it is easy to support such a fine institution as Hood College.

In 1991 Charlie was appointed to the Hood College Board of Trustees. He served for 12 years with four different presidents. In 2005 the College recognized Charlie and Kathryn's unwavering support and loyalty by awarding them honorary doctorate of humane letters degrees.