Gettysburg, PA — The Rotary Club of Gettysburg presented Dr. Robert “Bob” Zimmerman with the 2025 Dwight D. Eisenhower Humanitarian Award during a ceremony recognizing his lifetime of humanitarian service and community leadership.
The award honors individuals whose work reflects the values exemplified by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, including service above self, compassion, and global understanding. Rotary members, elected officials, community leaders, media representatives, and Dr. Zimmerman’s family gathered to celebrate the occasion.
Dr. Zimmerman, a retired dentist from Waynesboro, was recognized for nearly 50 years of service, including 61 international dental mission trips providing free dental care in underserved communities across Central America, South America, the Caribbean, Eastern Europe, Asia, and Africa. His work has brought care and relief to thousands of patients worldwide.
Domestically, Dr. Zimmerman co-founded a free dental clinic in Fulton County in 1998 and has volunteered there for more than two decades. Following his retirement in 2024, he began providing free dental services to Head Start children in Adams County.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Zimmerman has held leadership roles with numerous organizations, including United Way, Rotary, the Waynesboro YMCA, Manito (now Folium), and several youth sports and community initiatives. His fundraising leadership has helped raise millions of dollars for local facilities and programs.
The program included remarks from state and local officials, representatives of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Society, and a letter from Susan Eisenhower, granddaughter of President Eisenhower, congratulating Dr. Zimmerman on his humanitarian achievements.
Dr. Zimmerman was also recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow (second-level), one of Rotary International’s highest honors, and the Rotary Club announced a donation made in his honor to the Safina Street Network, which serves homeless street children in Tanzania.
In his acceptance remarks, Dr. Zimmerman reflected on faith, humility, and the shared nature of service, emphasizing the support of his family, colleagues, and volunteers throughout his career.
The Rotary Club of Gettysburg praised Dr. Zimmerman as a model of compassionate service whose work has made a lasting impact both locally and around the world.