College of business receives naming gift for career center, ribbon-cutting set

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business has received a major naming gift for the college’s career center from Charles and Lynn Zhang, owners of the Kalamazoo financial planning and investment firm, Zhang Financial.

The career center, a dedicated space within the college for business students to connect with career advisors and employers, provides tremendous value to the student body of the college of business through co-curricular professional development programs, as well as to the employer community seeking talent for their organizations. It offers a one-stop shop for all things career-related for both student and employer audiences. From broad and specialized career fairs to resume critiques to private interview suites, the center is known for its array of activities connecting talented students with hiring organizations.

"Charles and Lynn Zhang have invested in the next generation of visionary business leaders with this generous gift," says Dr. Kay Palan, dean of the Haworth College of Business. "We are extremely grateful for this gift, which will help students for years to come. The Zhangs recognize and understand completely that quality business education is a critical need. Their gift will go to support just that."

The college will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony and dedication of the space at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, on Schneider Hall's third floor. The ceremony and reception is open to the public. Free parking will be available in the Fetzer Center Lot 72F. RSVP to Cyntia Dawson at (269) 387-5069 or cyntia.dawson@wmich.edu.

Charles and Lynn Zhang

Charles and Lynn Zhang both earned graduate degrees from WMU and run a Kalamazoo financial planning and investment firm. Charles Zhang is regularly ranked among the top-100 financial advisors in the nation by Barron's magazine, while Lynn Zhang has been quoted in national media including CNBC, the Wall Street Journal and Barron's. They are supporters of many University programs, including the Department of Economics, the Academically Talented Youth Program in the Lee Honors College, and additional programs in the Haworth College of Business. The Zhangs were also the major donors to the spectacular Zhang Legacy Collections Center, opened on WMU’s campus in 2013. Lynn Zhang also serves as a member of the WMU Foundation Board of Directors.

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