On August 13th at 11:00 a.m., a recently installed Leopold Bench will be dedicated to the memory of the late Dr. Albert K. Wimmer. The bench dedication is the result of a donation to the South Bend-Elkhart Audubon Society by Dr. Wimmer’s students from the University of Notre Dame and St. Mary’s College study-abroad program of 1979-80 in Innsbruck, Austria.

Dr. Wimmer, a native of Altötting, Germany, was a professor of German at Notre Dame for more than 50 years. As the director of the Innsbruck program, he served as an administrator, professor, mentor, and surrogate father to more than 40 Notre Dame and St. Mary’s students who spent the 1979-80 academic year studying at the University of Innsbruck – while he also was parenting his two teenage sons, Steve and Marc. He was the quintessential lifelong learner, voraciously reading on every topic from music to politics. In addition, he became a skilled sailor and avid bird watcher at his Lake Wawasee home.  

Dr. Wimmer’s Innsbruck program students, in adulthood, grew to appreciate the intelligence, wisdom, and generous love with which he shepherded them through their year abroad. Within days of learning of his death in January, they collected these funds to honor his memory. They selected the Audubon Society as the most fitting beneficiary to memorialize this esteemed linguist, philosopher, writer, teacher, sailor, and birder. He is survived by his sons Steve and Marc, stepdaughter Tina Kardomateas, four grandchildren, and his beloved wife, Susan.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the dedication ceremony at the Sanctuary on August 13th at 11:00 a.m.