Zane D. Showker Institute for Responsible Leadership

Zane D. Showker—businessman, philanthropist and generous friend of Bridgewater College—was a role model of leadership and civic responsibility. Showker gave the College $1 million in 2002 to establish the Zane D. Showker Institute for Responsible Leadership.

The youngest of nine children, Showker was proud that his parents named him after novelist Zane Grey. Both his parents died when he was 12 years old. Determined to take care of himself, Showker began delivering newspapers in Craigsville, Va. After attending the University of Richmond for one year, he joined the U.S. Army Medical Corps during World War II.

In 1950, he established Harrisonburg Fruit and Produce as owner and general manager. The company thrived, and, in 1974, it merged with SYSCO Food Services, the nation’s largest wholesale food distributor. Showker served as president and general manager until 1991, when he became chairman emeritus of SYSCO Food Services of Virginia.

Showker’s entrepreneurial spirit was not limited to one company. He was also involved in numerous business partnerships throughout the Shenandoah Valley, encouraging the growth of small business in the area. He served as president and board member for many organizations and received numerous awards and honors in recognition of his contributions to the community.

Mission

The mission of The Zane D. Showker Institute for Responsible Leadership is to inspire students to become responsible leaders, to provide opportunities for students to develop skills needed to become responsible leaders, and to promote and celebrate responsible leadership by students, all in the pursuit of enhancing student engagement.

Goals

• Fostering Awareness and Engagement in Leadership
  • The Showker Institute, in collaboration with marketing and communications, will launch a dynamic marketing campaign to enhance visibility and encourage student participation in leadership opportunities.
  • Surveys within the Leadership and Community Engagement Minor will gather student insights to ensure the curriculum remains relevant and impactful.
• Developing a Campus-Wide Understanding of Leadership
  • Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) will induct and mentor student leaders across disciplines, fostering a culture of leadership excellence.
  • The Showker Leadership and Community Engagement Award will celebrate diverse leadership contributions and inspire future changemakers.
• Empowering Student Leaders to Take Initiative
  • The Showker Project will serve as a structured platform for students to refine problem-solving skills and implement projects that enhance the campus and local community.
  • The Showker Institute, alongside ODK and student life, will facilitate student-led initiatives that drive institutional progress.
• Preparing Leaders for Responsible Change
  • The Institute will provide funding for leadership development opportunities spanning all three academic schools.
  • A visiting scholar program will offer students direct exposure to leadership in professional and societal contexts.
  • A leadership internship scholarship, in partnership with the Center for Career Development, will support students in translating their leadership skills into career pathways.