Zimmerman Advertising Founder & Chairman Goes Back to School

LAUDERHILL, Fla., May 28 /PRNewswire/ -- It's been years (though we won't disclose how many) since Jordan Zimmerman walked the halls of Piper High School.  This week, the founder and chairman of Zimmerman Advertising returned to his alma mater on a mission.

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More than 700 upcoming junior and senior students packed the auditorium to hear the former Bengal speak as part of the educational initiative known as PASS (Partnership to Advance School Success).  The statewide PASS program is all about preparing students for success in the real world.  It brings top executives into underperforming schools by having them serve as mentors to the principals.  They share their expertise through school visits, phone calls, e-mail, and one-on-one sessions, as well as provide a financial boost through grants.

Cheers rose from the student body as actor and singer Tyrese introduced Zimmerman via the big screen.  Radio station Power96 was also there to amp up the audience.  But it wasn't just the star power that got the students excited.  Zimmerman shared his personal story with the group; detailing exactly how he went from the seats they're sitting in, to owning the 14th largest advertising agency in the country.

"If you haven't been dreaming, you will start today," Zimmerman told the students.  "And dream big."  He later added, "It's all about today – don't be a procrastinator.  The more prepared you are, the more success you're going to have."

Under the guidance of the Council for Educational Chance (CEC), PASS is an effective model for improving student performance. It supports existing school improvement initiatives, while combining a business perspective, additional resources and innovative approaches.  Since its inception in 1999, more than 60 schools have participated in the program, with 43% of those schools increasing their letter grade to an A or B this year alone.

"The PASS model shows us what can be achieved when people throughout the community commit themselves to bettering education," added Zimmerman.  "We can change the system – one student at a time."

Jordan will serve as a mentor to Piper High School students and staff for the next three years.  A challenge he doesn't take lightly.

"Piper High School played such a huge role in shaping the person that I am today," said Zimmerman.  "This is an opportunity to share some of what I've learned.  It's my chance to give back to the community.  It's a true investment in the future of every student."

About Partnership to Advance School Success (PASS)

Since 1999, Florida's Innovative Partnership to Advance School Success (PASS) has been raising student achievement in low-performing schools.  PASS brings together a strong corporate leader, a committed principal, and a knowledgeable educational consultant in a coordinated and effective approach to boosting student performance.

About Zimmerman Advertising

Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Zimmerman Advertising, an Omnicom Group™ company, is the country's leading national retail brand builder, and the 14th largest advertising agency in the United States according to Adweek, with more than 1,100 full-time associates and offices throughout the country, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas and Atlanta. For information on the agency, visit http://www.zadv.com.  To learn more about Jordan Zimmerman, his business philosophies and opinions, visit his blogspot: www.yousleepwhenyoudie.com  

About Omnicom Group

Omnicom Group (NYSE: OMC) is a leading global marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom's branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries. 

SOURCE Zimmerman Advertising