Elizabeth B. Rawlins ’67MSEd, ’03HD Symposium

President Wooten & Betty Rawlins

Held every five years, the Elizabeth B. Rawlins ’67MSEd, ’03HD Symposium (formerly the Black Alumnae/i Symposium) features rich, alumnae/i-driven programs, workshops, panels and receptions.

Elizabeth Rawlins at the podium during the 2023 Black Alumnae Symposium

Honoring Elizabeth B. Rawlins ’67MSEd, ’03HD

In February 2024, Simmons Dean Emerita Elizabeth B. Rawlins – a beloved member of our community for more than 50 years – passed away. President Wooten and our community honored Rawlins’ impact and legacy. 

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Kenyora Parham, Richelle Smith, Keeva Hayes, Kim Thipe, Cynthia Kangeyo, Kayla Canty

Join the African American Alumnae/i Association Executive Board

The African American Alumnae/i Association (AAAA) represents and serves all African American and African descended alumnae/i. Our leadership team is looking for passionate members of our community to join the Executive Board.

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Members of the Black Student Organization posing for a photo

Make a Gift

Make a gift to support the Black student experience at Simmons. (Note: Select “other” from the form’s designation area and input Black Alumnae/i Symposium Legacy Endowed Scholarship or the Elizabeth B. Rawlins ’67MSEd, ’03HD Endowed Scholarship).

Make a Gift Today

An amazing photo collage made up of Black members of the Simmons Community to form the Simmons Emblem and the word SIMMONS

Black History@Simmons

This exhibit presents an overview of the experience of the Black students who attended Simmons and the impact their presence had on the institution, most significantly, perhaps, through the promotion and provoking of conversation, reflection, and change.

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The Black Alumnae/i Symposium in the News

Black Alumnae/i Symposium 2023 Group Photo in front of MCB stairs

Black Alumnae/i Symposium 2023

The Power of Our Presence: Our Stories of Resistance, Resilience, and Restoration featured Dr. Adunni Slackman Anderson '73, honored multiple alumnae/i award recipients, and much more.


Group shot from a previous Black Alumnae/i Symposium

2018 Black Alumnae/i Symposium

On April 27-29, 2018, more than 150 alumnae/i, faculty, staff, and students gathered on campus to attend the 2018 Black Alumnae/i Symposium entitled The Power of Our Presence: Celebrating the Greatness Within Us.


Upcoming Alumnae/i Events

Alumnae/i, Family and Friends Weekend (Canceled)

  • Oct 4, 2024 to Oct 6, 2024
  • Simmons University, 300 The Fenway, Boston, MA 02115

Gwen Ifill Birthday Celebration

  • Oct 9, 2024
  • 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
  • C-503 and Zoom

Celebrating the 15th Anniversary of the Dotson Bridge and Mentoring Program

  • Oct 25, 2024
  • 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
  • Linda K. Paresky Conference Center