About Charles Zhang and Lynn Chen-Zhang

Charles and Lynn, alumni of Western Michigan University, generously donated over $2 million to the Charles C. and Lynn L. Zhang Legacy Collections Center. The Zhang Legacy Collections Center houses the WMU Archives and Regional History Collection, Special Collections and selected books from the University Libraries. The holdings total over 30,000 cubic feet and include 140,000 individual books, making the WMU Archives the largest facility of its type in southwestern Michigan and one of the largest in the state.

Charles and Lynn have long been community leaders in philanthropy. With their hearts rooted in the Kalamazoo community, they enjoy giving back both time and resources to their alma mater. In total, the Zhang’s have given back over ten million dollars to their local community, educational institutions and non-profit organizations. They have supported many of the University programs including the Haworth College of Business, the Department of Economics, the Medallion Scholarship Program, the Academically Talented Youth Program in the Lee Honors College, Miller Auditorium, the Zhang Career Center and the Zhang Financial room at Heritage Hall.

Lynn, as of 2024, serves on the Board of Trustees for Western Michigan University and is also a member of the WMU Foundation Board of Directors.

Charles was a recipient of the 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award—the highest honor WMU can bestow on a graduate—for prestigious accomplishments within his career and community. He has also served as an adjunct professor of Finance at WMU.