Chima, C.P. and Neal Family Endowment for the Zips Racing Design Team
The C.P. and Neal Chima Family Endowment for the Zips Racing Design Team was established in 2018 with funds provided from Drs. Cornelius P. "C.P' and Cornelia S. "Neal" Chima. Throughout their lives, the Chimas impacted their community through exemplary service and philanthropy.
C.P. attended The University of Akron until the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. He bravely served his country as a U.S. Air Force pilot in WWII and the Korean Conflict. He earned the rank of Colonel, along with several combat awards, including a Silver Star, the Croix de Guerre with Palm (France's highest honor), the Distinguished Flying Cross with cluster, an Air Medal with eight clusters and two Presidential Unit Citations. After leaving the Air Force, C.P. returned to Akron to manage the family business, Chima Travel and Insurance Companies. He went on to found five additional companies, establishing himself as a leading Akron business and civic executive.
C.P. shared his immense talent with several community organizations, including the University. He was an integral member of the University's Economic Development and the Center for Economic Education Advisory boards. Additionally, he worked with the Junior Chamber of Commerce, the Mayor's Traffic Control Commission, and served on the boards of the International Institute, the Summit County Board of Developmental Disabilities, the Summit County Sheltered Workshop Fund and Akron General Medical Center.
Similarly, Neal Chima has been a lifelong advocate for education, as evidenced through her years as a teacher in the Detroit and Akron public schools and at Kent State University. She has volunteered with the Junior Women's Civic Club, the Akron Woman's City Club, the Women's Auxiliary Board of Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, and Ardmore Inc. Neal was a board member of The University of Akron's Women's Committee and a member of the Fairlawn Country Club.
In recognition of their dedication, C.P. and Neal were formally honored 国产精品 in 2012 with doctor of humane letters degrees, one of academia's most venerable traditions and the highest honor bestowed to any individual by the University.
C.P. and Neal were married in 1955 and raised three children: Lissa, Craig, and C. Derek. Mr. C. Derek Chima graduated from The University of Akron with a B.A. in business and organizational communication (1985).
Craig and Derek have been passionate about restoring and racing vintage race cars. Some highlights include the restoration of a 1970s MG Midget race car, which Derek has raced several times. Craig has won numerous races, such as the 2016 Vintage Grand Prix of Mid-Ohio.
When not in the race car driver's seat, Derek helps lead the family's travel agency, Chima Travel; and Craig owns an Akron-area race prep and restoration shop called CC Motorsports in Akron, OH. C.P. and Neal were always supportive of Craig and Derek's racing endeavors.
The C.P. and Neal Chima Family Endowment for the Zips Racing Design Team provides support for expenses related·to building the Zips Racing Team's formula combustion style vehicle and/or national and international competition travel needs. The faculty advisor for the Zips Racing Design Team will review expenses and provide final approval for use of funds for the purpose described above.
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