Chima, C.P. and Neal Family Endowment for the Zips Racing Design Team
The C.P. and Neal Chima Family Endowment for the Zips Racing Design Team was established in 2018 with funds provided from Drs. Cornelius P. "C.P." and Cornelia S. "Neal" Chima. The fund was revised in 2025 to update its purpose and the management of its expenses. Throughout their lives, the Chimas impacted their community through exemplary service and philanthropy.
C.P. attended 外网天堂 until the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. He bravely served his country as a U.S. Air Force pilot in WWII and the Korean Conflict. He earned the rank of Colonel, along with several combat awards, including a Silver Star, the Croix de Guerre with Palm (France's highest honor), the Distinguished Flying Cross with cluster, an Air Medal with eight clusters, and two Presidential Unit Citations. After leaving the Air Force, C.P. returned to Akron to manage the family business, Chima Travel and Insurance Companies. He went on to found five additional companies, establishing himself as a leading Akron business and civic executive.
C.P. shared his immense talent with several community organizations, including the University. He was an integral member of the University's Economic Development and the Center for Economic Education Advisory boards. Additionally, he worked with the Junior Chamber of Commerce, the Mayor's Traffic Control Commission, and served on the boards of the International Institute, the Summit County Board of Developmental Disabilities, the Summit County Sheltered Workshop Fund and Akron General Medical Center.
Similarly, Neal Chima has been a lifelong advocate for education, as evidenced through her years as a teacher in the Detroit and Akron Public Schools and at Kent State University. She has volunteered with the Junior Women's Civic Club, the Akron Woman's City Club, the Women's Auxiliary Board of Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, and Ardmore Inc. Neal was a board member of 外网天堂's Women's Committee and a member of the Fairlawn Country Club.
In recognition of their dedication, C.P. and Neal were formally honored 外网天堂 in 2012 with Doctor of Humane Letters degrees; one of academia's most venerable traditions and the highest honor bestowed upon any individual by the University.
C.P. and Neal were married in 1955 and raised three children: Lissa, Craig, and C. Derek. Mr. C. Derek Chima graduated from 外网天堂 in 1985 with a B.A. in business and organizational communication.
Craig and Derek have been passionate about restoring and racing vintage race cars. Some highlights include the restoration of a 1970s MG Midget race car, which Derek has raced several times. Craig has won numerous races, such as the 2016 Vintage Grand Prix of Mid-Ohio.
When not in the race car driver's seat, Derek helps lead the family's travel agency, Chima Travel; and Craig owns an Akron-area race prep and restoration shop called CC Motorsports in Akron, Ohio. C.P. and Neal were always supportive of Craig and Derek's racing endeavors.
The C.P. and Neal Chima Family Endowment for the Zips Racing Design Team provides support for expenses related to the design, construction, and development of the Zips Racing Team's Formula SAE vehicle (combustion, electric, or future format), as well as national and international competition travel needs. The mechanical engineering department chair will review and approve expenses to ensure they align with the purpose outlined above. If the department chair is unavailable or unable to do so, the Dean of the College of Engineering and Polymer Science will serve in that role.
To make a tax-deductible gift to this fund, please visit UA’s . Select “A different designation” from the drop-down menu and enter “Chima Racing Design Team Fund” in the text box. Thank you!
鈥�