Zimmerman Family Papers

Collection

Identifier: MS 0947

Staff Only

Finding aid note: Forms part of the South Texas Jewish Archives. Stored off-site at the Library Service Center and requires 24-hour notice for retrieval. Please contact the Woodson Research Center at 713-348-2586 or woodson@rice.edu for more information.

Content Description

One box of photographs, political and personal memorabilia, and genealogy materials documents the lives of Judge Alvin Zimmerman and his family from 1908 to the 1990s. Of particular interest is an extensive history of the Zippenuch family.

Forms part of the South Texas Jewish Archives.

Dates

Creation: 1908 - 1990

Conditions Governing Access

This material is open for research. Stored off-site at the Library Service Center and requires 24-hour notice for retrieval. Please contact the Woodson Research Center at 713-348-2586 or woodson@rice.edu for more information.

Conditions Governing Use

Permission to publish material from the Zimmerman Family Papers must be obtained from the Woodson Research Center, Fondren Library. The Woodson Research Center use policy is that researchers assume sole responsibility for any infringement of privacy, literary rights, copyrights, or other rights arising from their use of the archival materials. In addition to any restrictions placed by donors, certain kinds of archival materials are restricted for the life of the creator plus 50 years. These materials include, but are not limited to, student grades, transcripts, and any job applications or recommendations.

Biographical / Historical

Alvin Zimmerman was born on June 28, 1943, in Houston, Texas. In 1964, he graduated from the University of Houston with a B.S. in Psychology. He graduated from the University of Houston Law Center with a J.D. in 1967.

In 1980, Alvin was appointed a municipal court judge by the Mayor of Houston. He also was a state district judge of the 269th (Civil) and 309th (Family) District Courts. He has also served as Assistant Attorney General for the State of Texas and briefing clerk for the Honorable Judge Ingraham, federal district judge for the Southern District of Texas. He received the Frank G. Evans Award as the outstanding ADR Professional in 2016 for his dedicated service to the profession from the State Bar of Texas – ADR Section.

Today, Judge Zimmerman practices family law, and serves as a mediator and arbitrator in Harris County, Texas. He also serves as a special judge for hire, special master, ad litem and conducts investigations for educational institutions. He has participated in over 500 arbitrations and 3,000 mediations in his career.

Judge Zimmerman has served on the board of directors of a New York Stock Exchange company and national bank. He is also active in many charitable organizations. In May 2000 he received the Anti-Defamation League’s Karen H. Susman Jurisprudence Award, which is presented annually to an outstanding member of the legal community who exhibits an exceptional commitment to equality, justice, fairness and community service. Furthermore, Alvin received the University of Houston Distinguished Alumni Award in April 2009.