Anne Templeton Zimmerman, M.D. taught Biological Sciences near Boston and in Gaberones, Botswana, with the Peace Corps



Anne Templeton Zimmerman, M.D. taught Biological Sciences near Boston and in Gaberones, Botswana, with the Peace Corps

ANNE TEMPLETON ZIMMERMAN, PHYSICIAN AND ACTIVIST, DIES

CONTACT: Donald Lehr - The Nolan/Lehr Group
(212) 967-8200 / dblehr@cs.com

Anne Templeton Zimmerman, M.D., a physician and activist, died Thursday, December 16 while undergoing heart surgery. Zimmerman was the only daughter of the world-renowned pioneer of the global mutual fund, Sir John Templeton, and the wife of former Wyoming State Senator, Gail Zimmerman.

Dr. Zimmerman earned her medical degree from Case-Western Reserve University School of Medicine in 1974. Prior to that she worked in neuropsychological research at Massachusetts General Hospital and taught Biological Sciences near Boston and in Gaberones, Botswana, with the Peace Corps. After her marriage to Gail Zimmerman, Ph.D. in 1980, she opened a surgical practice in Casper, Wyoming. In addition, Dr. Zimmerman practiced clinical medicine in an urgent care clinic, and served as the Medical Director of the Natrona County Detention Center in Casper, Wyoming. She retired from her medical practice in 2003 to devote more time to the cause of international religious freedom, to take aid to those who are suffering and dying because of their faith and to specifically come alongside fellow Christians worldwide.

In 1997, Zimmerman, Betsy Vigneri and Lisa Scaling founded the American chapter of the international human rights organization Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW). The group promotes human rights around the world, and in particular the basic rights of Christians in nations where they are persecuted. Her involvement with CSW took Zimmerman to the Sudan many times. Zimmerman's first trip to the war-torn African nation was made with Baroness Caroline Cox, the founder of CSW and a member of the House of Lords in the UK. She participated as a leading member of CSW buying the freedom of women and children who had been enslaved.

Anne Templeton Zimmerman was a trustee of the John Templeton Foundation, established by her Father, Sir John Templeton in 1987 in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. She is survived by her husband; her father; her children Rhonda, Mitchell, Michael and Renee Sterling; brothers John Templeton Jr., M.D., president of the John Templeton Foundation, and Christopher Templeton; a stepsister Wendy Brooks, and seven grandchildren.

When this story was posted in December 2004, this was on the front page of PCOL:

Changing of the Guard With Lloyd Pierson's departure, Marie Wheat has been named acting Chief of Staff and Chief of Operations responsible for the day-to-day management of the Peace Corps. Although Wheat is not an RPCV and has limited overseas experience, in her two years at the agency she has come to be respected as someone with good political skills who listens and delegates authority and we wish her the best in her new position.

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December 18, 2004: This Week's Top Stories RPCV remembers Deborah Gardner's murder in Tonga 17 Dec Maoist insurgents in Nepal release Swiss aid worker 17 Dec RPCV Alison Williams exhibits portraits of Malian people 16 Dec Former Brazil Medical Director convicted of drug charges 16 Dec RPCV Joseph Opala researched slave trade in RI 15 Dec Vasquez sees resurgent interest in PC 14 Dec Senator who wanted duel with RPCV joins Fox 14 Dec NPCA planning National Day of Action for PC funding 13 Dec RPCV "Harry" Chandler votes in Electoral College 13 Dec Critic says Moyers delivered neo-Marxist propaganda 13 Dec Micronesia RPCV Walter Cavanagh has 1,496 credit cards 13 Dec PC "Survivor" Julie Berry headed for California 11 Dec more top stories...

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Our debt to Bill Moyers Former Peace Corps Deputy Director Bill Moyers leaves PBS next week to begin writing his memoir of Lyndon Baines Johnson. Read what Moyers says about journalism under fire, the value of a free press, and the yearning for democracy. "We have got to nurture the spirit of independent journalism in this country," he warns, "or we'll not save capitalism from its own excesses, and we'll not save democracy from its own inertia."

RPCV safe after Terrorist Attack RPCV Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley, the U.S. consul general in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia survived Monday's attack on the consulate without injury. Five consular employees and four others were killed. Abercrombie-Winstanley, the first woman to hold the position, has been an outspoken advocate of rights for Arab women and has met with Saudi reformers despite efforts by Saudi leaders to block the discussions.

Is Gaddi Leaving? Rumors are swirling that Peace Corps Director Vasquez may be leaving the administration. We think Director Vasquez has been doing a good job and if he decides to stay to the end of the administration, he could possibly have the same sort of impact as a Loret Ruppe Miller. If Vasquez has decided to leave, then Bob Taft, Peter McPherson, Chris Shays, or Jody Olsen would be good candidates to run the agency. Latest: For the record, Peace Corps has no comment on the rumors.

The Birth of the Peace Corps UMBC's Shriver Center and the Maryland Returned Volunteers hosted Scott Stossel, biographer of Sargent Shriver, who spoke on the Birth of the Peace Corps. This is the second annual Peace Corps History series - last year's speaker was Peace Corps Director Jack Vaughn.

Vote "Yes" on NPCA's bylaw changes Take our new poll. NPCA members begin voting this week on bylaw changes to streamline NPCA's Board of Directors. NPCA Chair Ken Hill, the President's Forum and other RPCVs endorse the changes. Mail in your ballot or vote online (after Dec 1), then see on how RPCVs are voting.

Charges possible in 1976 PCV slaying Congressman Norm Dicks has asked the U.S. attorney in Seattle to consider pursuing charges against Dennis Priven, the man accused of killing Peace Corps Volunteer Deborah Gardner on the South Pacific island of Tonga 28 years ago. Background on this story here and here.

Your vote makes a difference Make a difference on November 2 - Vote. Then take our RPCV exit poll. See how RPCV's are voting and take a look at the RPCV voter demographic. Finally leave a message on why you voted for John Kerry or for George Bush. Previous poll results here.

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