Newsmaker: George J. Zimmerman

Noteworthy: Zimmerman received the Lawrence E. Blaha Award from the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired for his work in the field of orientation and mobility.

Age: 63

Residence: Highland Park

Family: Son, Bradley, 25

Occupation: Professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Education and coordinator of the Vision Studies Program, where he trains teachers who specialize in working with blind and visually impaired students and adults.

Education: Bachelor's degree in elementary education/special education for the visually impaired from Kutztown University, master's degree from Western Michigan University; and a Ph.D. in education and human development from Vanderbilt University.

Quote: “I continually strive to improve the program to make the University of Pittsburgh a leader in this line of work. I continually strive to make sure students that are in the program get the best education they can, and do the best they can with the kids and adults they're working with.”