Walsh’s Will Butler wins 2025 Joshua David Zimmerman Memorial Scholarship

Walsh University announced that William (Will) Butler II, a scholar-athlete from Lake Township, is the 2025 recipient of the Joshua David Zimmerman Memorial Scholarship. The award was presented by Joshua’s father, Tom Zimmerman, during the Maroon & Gold homecoming game Sept. 27, against Ohio Dominican University.

Butler, a Lake High School graduate and the son of Chad and Jessica Butler, is majoring in business marketing and professional sales. A leading receiver for the Cavaliers, he has distinguished himself on the field and in the classroom.

“I’m truly honored to receive the Zimmerman Scholarship. It means so much to me that this award comes from alumni of both my high school and Walsh University,” Butler said. “This scholarship will help me continue pursuing my academic goals while also allowing me to grow as a student-athlete on the football team.”

The scholarship honors Joshua “Zim” Zimmerman, a 2001 Walsh graduate and former defensive captain who earned multiple academic and athletic awards. He died in a biking accident in August 2003. His parents, Thomas and Jackie Zimmerman, established the scholarship to support a football player who exemplifies integrity, character and commitment on and off the field.

“Joshua’s time at Walsh meant the world to him, and we’re honored to help other student-athletes achieve their dreams in his memory,” Thomas Zimmerman said.

Zimmerman earned four letters as a defensive lineman from 1997 to 2000. The scholarship continues his legacy by supporting student-athletes who demonstrate financial need and uphold the values he embodied.

For information on contributing to the Joshua David Zimmerman Memorial Scholarship Fund, contact Scholarship Coordinator Carmela Bendetta at the Walsh University Advancement Office at 330-490-7596.