Zipperman Scholars

Zipperman Scholars Program

Established in spring 2008, the Zipperman Scholars Program is a competitive extracurricular program designed to give first year and sophomore Foundational Business Management majors additional exposure to MIS and job opportunities in the field.

  • A $100 stipend for the first three semesters of active participation
  • Participation in real-world IT experiences
  • Special gatherings with MIS faculty and distinguished Eller guests
  • Opportunities to shadow executives and IT professionals 
  • Networking with business professionals, faculty, and students
  • Opportunities for MIS-related internships
  • Opportunities to participate in IT training programs
  • A stronger professional resume
  • Assistance for the admission process to the Eller College Professional Program
  • Ability to apply for the Advanced Zipperman Scholars (AZA) Program to prepare for a career in consultancy
  • As a ZipS, you can apply for a double major upon admission to the Professional Program as long as one of the majors is MIS. ZipS are the only students in Eller who have the opportunity to declare a double major when you apply for advanced standing in the Eller College of Management.

The Zipperman Program is generously supported by Walt Zipperman, president of DAZ Systems (now part of Accenture). DAZ Systems specializes in Oracle E-Business Suite and leverages industry experience to provide mission-critical business solutions to small and medium sized enterprises. With over 350 successful implementations, DAZ is the largest Oracle Partner in the Western US and provides a variety of proven methodologies and a staff of experienced Oracle professionals for its customer implementations.

"I am honored to be able to provide this exciting opportunity for outstanding Eller freshmen and sophomores to explore the growing field of MIS and the many significant and challenging IT job opportunities available in business today."

— Walt Zipperman

All ZipS are required to participate in at least 7 qualifying events (2 of which are social events) each semester to maintain their active status in the program as well as submit a 1,000-word minimum reflection paper about their experiences in the ZipS program. Leaving an event halfway through the presentation will not count towards the 7 minimum qualifying events. Out of respect for the presenters and staff who organize the events, it is important that you follow through with your commitments. We understand emergency and personal matters occur and ask that you contact us within an appropriate time so we can adjust.

How to RSVP

Zipperman Scholars RSVP/register for events through eSMS. Here’s how:

  1.  Use your NetID to log in: student.esms.arizona.edu.
  2.  Select “New RSVP” in the menu bar at the top of the screen.
  3.  For “What type of appointment are you seeking?” choose “Workshop”, then search.
  4.  Choose events from the list.

Through the eSMS system you can view and manage your event registrations throughout the semester. Set your notification preferences in eSMS to receive text or email reminders. If you need to cancel a registration, make sure to do so at least 72 hours in advance.

The No-Show Policy

A no-show is a student who RSVPs for an event but doesn't show up. ZipS who have 2 no-shows will lose their $100 stipend, with the possibility of being removed from the program. To prevent being penalized for no-shows, always cancel an event registration at least 72 hours in advance.

How to Cancel

If you have registered for an event and then find that you are unable to attend, you must cancel your registration in order to avoid being counted as a no-show for the event. 

  • If you are cancelling at least one day before the event, log in to eSMS to manage your registration.
  • In case of emergency that requires a same-day cancellation, email Brandon Marshall.

As a Zipperman Scholar, you can apply for a double major upon admission to the Professional Program as long as one of the majors is MIS. ZipS are the only students in Eller who have the opportunity to double major from the time of acceptance. If you are applying this semester, contact Brandon Marshall so he can give your name to the Undergraduate Programs office.

The Zipperman Scholars application is now closed. It will reopen in late fall 2024.

You can learn more about the program through its Instagram and LinkedIn pages.


Spring 2025 Events

EVENTDATE & TIMELOCATION
Martin Luther King Jr. Day — No ClassesMonday, January 20th 
Welcome Back Event
(mandatory, no event credit)
Friday, January 24th
5:00-8:00pm
McClelland Hall Atrium and Room 208/208A
Presentation: Cortez Smith
(professional event)
Tuesday, January 28th
5:00-7:00pm
McClelland Hall, Berger Auditorium
Picacho Peak Hike
(social event)
Saturday, February 1stPicacho Peak
MIS Faculty Spotlight: Matt Hashim
(professional event)
Wednesday, February 5th
5:00-7:00pm
McClelland Hall, Room 208A
Community Food Bank Volunteering
(social event)
Friday, February 7th
7:30am-1:00pm
Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona
Bowling
(social event)
Thursday, February 13th
5:00-7:30pm
Lucky Strike Bowl
Raytheon Visit
(professional event)
Friday, February 14th
7:00am-2:30pm
Raytheon (Tucson)
Movie Night
(social event)
Friday, February 28th
5:30-8:00pm
McClelland Hall, Berger Auditorium
MIS Faculty Spotlight: Mark Patton
(professional event)
Tuesday, March 4th
5:00-7:00pm
McClelland Hall, Room 201 A/B
Spring Break — No ClassesSaturday, March 8th - Sunday, March 16th 
Game Night
(social event)
Friday, March 21st
5:30-7:00pm
McClelland Hall Atrium, Berger Auditorium, and Room 208/208A
MIS Faculty Spotlight: David Weber
(professional event)
Monday, March 24th
5:00-7:00pm
McClelland Hall, Room 201 A/B
Presentation: Chris Mazzarella (CIO of Tucson)
(professional event)
Thursday, March 27th
5:30-7:30pm
McClelland Hall, Room 201 A/B
Phoenix Suns Panel and Game
(professional event)
Wednesday, April 9thFootprint Center (Phoenix)
Closing Event
(mandatory, no event credit)
Friday, April 11thMcClelland Hall Atrium and Room 208/208A

*Please note that this schedule is subject to change.

Interested in finding out more about this program? Email Brandon Marshall, director of the Zipperman Scholars program, at bmarshal@arizona.edu.