Commencement Recognition Celebration

The annual Commencement Recognition Celebration is held the evening before Commencement to recognize alumnae/i, students, parents, and friends who support the University through extraordinary financial contributions.The evening program also includes the presentation of the President’s Recognition Awards, which is a tradition that began in 2011. The “loan forgiveness” awards help reduce student loan debt for those awarded.

In addition to members of the 1899 Leadership Society and the John Simmons Society, special guests include each year’s honorary degree candidates and commencement speakers.

Honorary Degree recipients and Commencement speakers are individuals whose life work demonstrates a commitment to values embraced by Simmons: the pursuit of excellence, gender equality and the advancement of women, diversity, inclusion, and investment in community.