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Speeches & Presentations

Speeches & Presentations

President Drinan's February Message to Alumnae/i

February 3, 2009

Dear Fellow Alumnae/i, Parents, and Friends,

As I look out my office window, The Fenway is covered in snow and I can see students, bundled up in jackets and hats, walking to and from classes. This letter marks the first time I have written to you via this e-newsletter format. I plan to write quarterly updates to keep you apprised of some key news here at Simmons.

This week, we celebrated the grand opening of our new School of Management and Academic Building bringing together for the first time all five of our schools to 300 The Fenway. The co-location of our schools will dramatically enhance the academic experience of our students and faculty, not to mention the important intangible benefit of seeing and socializing with friends and colleagues throughout different departments.

We also are excited because this is our first “green” building designed and built using strict criteria set by the U.S. Green Building Council. We expect to receive Silver certification for the building this spring.

Despite the challenging economic climate, alumnae/i and friends have continued to show their dedication to Simmons through philanthropic support. Annual giving numbers are up 11.5% from this time last year, and we have raised well over $1.3 million this fiscal year. We also have received a total of nine “President’s Circle” gifts of $25,000 each.

Our spring ’09 enrollments remain strong, and we have seen robust interest by potential new undergraduate students for the upcoming academic year. It is too early to determine what impact the economic environment may have on prospective students and their families to afford a college education. We expect some will have greater financial needs than in the past, so we are proactively educating prospective families about grant and loan options.  

We also are moving along in the planning process for a new five-year strategic plan, with broad involvement from faculty, staff, and students. I expect the plan will be approved in May, and I will provide you with more details in my June update.

Simmons is a strong institution with many years ahead of it in educating students for meaningful lives and careers. Thank you for your continued support of the College. Our alumnae/i are the finest examples of what a Simmons education can do.

Sincerely,

Helen