50th Reunion Class Gift
2023
Dear Classmates,
A classmate recently told me part of her Simmons story. Thrilled to have been accepted, she had a problem if she wanted to attend; Simmons had offered no financial aid. Her family would pressure her to enroll at Boston University, which had offered a generous scholarship package. At the last minute, Simmons managed to find a small one-time scholarship.
This is not an unfamiliar story. In 1969, Simmons was expensive. It still is. Yet as professionals, community leaders, mentors, parents and role models, we understand how important a Simmons education will be to future generations of women. We know how even a small scholarship can make an enormous difference between a young woman attending Simmons and another university.
Our newly established Class of 1973 Endowed Scholarship Fund is taking shape. Some classmates have already made contributions at a variety of giving levels. I'm grateful for this early and enthusiastic support. While the amount we're able to raise is important, we also want to focus on class participation, aiming for 100 percent.
Every gift makes a difference. No amount is too small.
As I talk with other classmates, it's clear that the memories of our undergraduate experience are still vivid. Those four years coincided with cultural change, political upheaval and social protest. From Honors-Pass-Fail to the 1970 Student Strike to watching the world adapt to the use of "Ms." to 23-hour parietals to cheering Gloria Steinem's commencement speech, we have always been proud of our unconventional Simmons history.
I want to honor this pride by reinforcing our Simmons connection. As alumnae, let's ensure that young women with financial need have access to an exceptional undergraduate education at Simmons. And as nontraditional as the Class of 1973 was, the tradition of a women's degree-granting institution is an ideal we can help sustain.
Please join me as we work toward 100 percent participation. Share what you can to make the Class of 1973 Endowed Scholarship our class's permanent legacy.
If you prefer, you can mail a check, made out to "Simmons University," noting on the memo line or in an accompanying note that it is intended for the Class of 1973 Endowed Scholarship Fund. It can be mailed to:
Simmons University - Office of Advancement
P.O. Box 200099
Roxbury Crossing, MA 02120-9998
Questions regarding your philanthropic giving to Simmons can be directed to Kathryn Benjamin, Associate Director of Gift Planning and Jubilee Reunions, who can be contacted at 617-686-0038.
Thank you, and I hope to see you in June!
Sincerely,
Lauren J. Brisky
P.S. – If you would like information on how to make your gift using stocks or from your retirement fund or other assets, please contact Kathryn Benjamin.