Charles C. Zhang - Advisor Directory - Barron's

1) CHARLES C. AND LYNN L. ZHANG LEGACY COLLECTIONS CENTER - Western Michigan University

Charles and Lynn give a considerable amount of donations to a place that is very near to their hearts. They both received a master’s degree from WMU and now they enjoy giving back both their time and their resources to their alma mater.

One of their biggest donations to WMU is the Charles C. and Lynn L. Zhang Legacy Collections Center. The Zhang Legacy Collections Center houses the WMU Archives and Regional History Collections. The holdings total over 28,000 cubic feet, making the WMU Archives the largest facility of its type in southwestern Michigan and one of the largest in the state. The WMU Archives preserve WMU’s papers, files, and history. The Regional History Collections contain vital records, rolls, diaries, Civil War letters, newspaper archives, photographs, maps, and other historical materials from 12 Michigan counties. The new, state-of-the art building has achieved silver certification under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system. The facility includes a public area for researchers, genealogists, community members and students, a climate controlled storage area for the collections, and offices/workspaces for faculty and staff.

2) THE CHARLES AND LYNN ZHANG RECRUITMENT LOUNGE

As alums of Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, both Charles and Lynn have a firm belief in, and commitment to Kellogg’s educational mission: to equip and inspire tomorrow’s leaders. Most recently, Charles and Lynn have financially provided support to Kellogg’s new Global Hub; designed to embody collaborative learning and foster energy and excitement.

3) CHARLES AND LYNN ZHANG PROFESSORSHIP OF ECONOMICS, ENGLISH & COMPARATIVE LITERATURE, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

As a continuation of their philanthropy, Charles and Lynn recently established two endowed professorships at Columbia University, one in Economics and one in English and Comparative Literature. Charles and Lynn have a long history of supporting educational institutions, especially those that have had, and to continue to have, a positive impact on their lives. Charles and Lynn both attended the Executive Education program at Columbia University.

4) CHARLES AND LYNN ZHANG CAREER CENTER - Haworth College of Business - Western Michigan University

Through their generous gift to the Zhang Career Center of Western Michigan’s Haworth College of Business, Charles and Lynn have invested in the next generation of visionary business leaders. The career center, a dedicated space within the college for business students to connect with career advisors and employers, provides tremendous value to the student body of the college of business through co-curricular professional development programs, as well as to the employer community seeking talent for their organizations. It offers a one-stop shop for all things career-related for both student and employer audiences. From broad and specialized career fairs to resume critiques to private interview suites, the center is known for its array of activities connecting talented students with hiring organizations.

5) CHARLES AND LYNN PORTAGE COMMUNITY SENIOR CENTER

Charles’ and Lynn’s most recent philanthropic act continues an extensive history of giving back to the local community. With a plethora of baby boomers retiring in the near future, there was a clear need for an updated senior facility. The new Charles and Lynn Zhang Portage Community Senior Center will go above and beyond expectations of any simple remodel. A completely new building with perfect location will revamp and revitalize the home base for many of Portage’s senior citizens. With the Zhang family’s recent donation, along with the city of Portage pledging half of the total cost, the project funding is well on its way to being completed.

6) CHARLES AND LYNN ZHANG'S PORTAGE BUILDING, 1302 W. MILHAM - Now a Counseling Center for Family & Children Services

Charles and Lynn Zhang called 1302 W. Milham, Portage MI, the home of Zhang Financial for 15 years, from 2000 through 2014. Due to the growth of their business, Charles and Lynn moved Zhang Financial to its new location at 5931 Oakland Drive in 2015. In their continued wish to support and grow the community, Charles and Lynn generously donated the entire building at 1302 W. Milham to Family & Children Services for use as a counseling center.

7) HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL

Charles and Lynn Zhang have a long history of financial support for places that have played an important role in their lives. They have given locally and throughout the United States to educational institutions as well as numerous other non profits.

In keeping with their philanthropic history and as COUR (Committee on University Resources) Members for Harvard University, Charles and Lynn recently established the Charles C. Zhang and Lynn L. Chen-Zhang Fellowship. The fellowship was established to support students enrolled in the joint HBS and Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences MS/MBA program. Charles and Lynn are pleased to be a part of the community of fellowship donors whose support of financial aid at Harvard Business School enables the school to realize its mission of educating leaders who make a difference in the world.

8) MILLER AUDITORIUM / KALAMAZOO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Zhang Financial is committed to investing in the greater Kalamazoo community by supporting our local arts organizations such as Western Michigan University’s Miller Auditorium and the KSO. Charles and Lynn have been supporting Miller Auditorium for many years, sponsoring some of the biggest shows and performers. Most recently, Lynn and Charles expanded their partnership with Miller Auditorium and are thrilled to be the presenting sponsor for the 2021-2022 Broadway in West Michigan Series. Zhang Financial is also a KSO season sponsor for 2021-2022. Lynn also volunteers her time and has served as a member of the KSO Board of Directors for many years.

9) THE CHARLES AND LYNN ZHANG ANIMAL CARE AND RESOURCE CENTER

The Kalamazoo Humane Society's new animal care and resource center is now open and serving the western Michigan community. Lead donors Charles and Lynn Zhang contributed to the total $5 million budget for the facility that includes state-of-the-art medical procedure rooms for spay/neuter surgeries, educational space and an adjoining memorial garden for pets that have passed away. The building has been named The Charles & Lynn Zhang Animal Care & Resource Center in recognition of their donation.

10) MINISTRY WITH COMMUNITY

Charles and Lynn have an enthusiasm for helping those in need. They make donations to the annual event called Chefs Against Hunger and for many years, Zhang Financial has been the lead sponsor for the event. They continuously volunteer their time and money to Ministry with Community, a non-profit organization that provides shelter, food, and help to adults and families in crisis.

11) ANIMAL RESCUE

With an office that is full of animal lovers, it is no surprise that Zhang Financial is a big supporter of local organizations that protect and care for animals in need.

In addition to the the Charles and Lynn Zhang Animal Care and Resource Center, Zhang Financial has been the presenting sponsor for the Humane Society's annual Reverse Raffle which funds Operation Fix-It, a program that gives access to high-quality, affordable spay and neuter services to all pet owners.

The SPCA is an organization supported by volunteers dedicated to rescuing homeless dogs, cats, puppies and kittens from Southwest Michigan pounds and adopting them into responsible homes. For many years, Zhang Financial has been very proud to be the Presenting Sponsor for their Annual Doggie Dash 5K Run which raises funds for their no-kill shelter.