Jubilee Classes Reunion 2024

Check-In

2:00 – 6:00 PM
Collect your badge, some Simmons swag, and any optional activity tickets you purchased. If you are staying on the residence quad this is where you will receive information. This is a great place to schedule a meet up with fellow alumnae to kick start your weekend!

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Tour

3:30 – 4:30 PM
Enjoy a docent-led group tour of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.

(Off-campus activity tickets will only be available until the Early Bird date - April 15 - and will be removed from sale after.)

'Appy Hour

4:00 – 6:00 PM
This is where the party starts! Come meet and greet your Simmons family, and start making reunion moments which will become cherished memories.

Academic Campus Tours (student-led)

4:00 – 5:30 PM
Join a campus ambassador for a chance to visit the renovations on the academic campus including the new Science Center and Library.

Red Sox vs. Detroit Tigers Game

7:00 – 10:00 PM
Catch this game at Fenway Park from the grandstands! Transportation will be provided.

(Off-campus activity tickets will only be available until the Early Bird date - April 15 - and will be removed from sale after.)

Tour of the Fens

9:00 – 9:45 AM
Join in a 45-minute stroll around the Fens for a brief overview of the history of the area, the architectural and garden stylings, and how the scene has changed in recent years.

Brunch with the Simmons President

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
President Wooten and Associate Provost Leanne Doherty will provide insight into the current status and future vision for the University. Highlights include recent institutional achievements, challenges, and strategic initiatives, as well as faculty development and academic innovation. This session will be broadcast and recorded for virtual registrants.

State of the University

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
President Wooten and Associate Provost will provide insight into the current status and future vision for the University. Highlights include recent institutional achievements, challenges, and strategic initiatives, as well as faculty development and academic innovation. This session will be broadcast and recorded for virtual registrants.

Afternoon Block Choice of:

12:30 – 2:00 PM

Academic Campus Tours (student-led)
If you missed the opportunity on Friday, a campus ambassador will lead another chance to visit the renovations on the academic campus including the new Science Center and Library.

"Timeless Ties: A Journey from Then to Beyond the Now"
Join us for a nostalgic yet forward-thinking journey as we gather to reminisce, compare, and apply the rich tapestry of memories woven throughout the years at Simmons University. Delve into the past and what made it so special, celebrate the present, and help envision the future of Simmons University. Embrace the power of shared history, hear stories from today's students, and contribute to shaping the legacy of Simmons University for generations to come. This session will also be broadcast for virtual registrants.

"Communicating Across Generations"
Professor and Master of Social Work Program Director Gary Bailey will lead a discussion about the complexities that can arise when one is communicating across generations. This conversation will explore the ways that our communication styles are shaped by the times we grew up in and our cultural context, which can either unite or create divides amongst the generations.

This conversation will unpack stereotypes that arise in intergenerational interactions, and examine how preconceived notions about different age groups can lead to misunderstandings, hindering effective communication. Professor Bailey will address the importance of understanding power dynamics, resistance to change, and even basic language and terminology nuances in facing these challenges. By fostering awareness, promoting open communication, and creating environments that value diversity of thought and experience, this talk aims to empower individuals to navigate and strengthen intergenerational relationships in today's dynamic world. This session will also be broadcast for virtual registrants.

Tea Party and Alice's Wonderland

3:00 – 5:00 PM
High tea will be served to keep you satiated. Hats and gloves are encouraged! Our first hour is purely social and at 4PM we will be joined by Kelly Hager who will present "Alice's Wonderland - a looking glass of Victorian-Era Girls' Education."

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, the classic children’s novel by Lewis Carroll, tells the story of a young girl who falls down a rabbit hole into a fantastical world of peculiar creatures and nonsensical events. But the story is not just a whimsical tale of talking animals and never-ending tea parties. It is also, as Kelly Hager has discovered in her research, a critique of the era’s education methods, especially of education for girls. This will be broadcast for virtual registrants

Class Celebration of 1974

6:30 PM
Enjoy a Class Celebration for the Jubilee Class of 1974!

Boston "Pride" Pops

7:30 – 9:30 PM
Accomplished violinist and Symphony Hall Drag Queen superstar, Thorgy Thor joins the Boston Pops to kick off Pride Month with her take-no-prisoners comedy, self-proclaimed "fashion clown" style, and musical talents. Transportation will be provided.

(Off-campus activity tickets will only be available until the Early Bird date - April 15 - and will be removed from sale after.)

Breakfast

9:00 – 11:00 AM
Enjoy a bento box of breakfast items that’s perfect to carry into our last program or hop in the car with if you need to go! In which case, be sure to say good-bye or better yet “until we meet again!”

Age Well and Thrive: Lifetime Nutrition and Exercise Tips from the Teaching Experts

10:00 – 11:00 AM
Dr. Jacqueline Beatty, Assistant Professor of Nutrition, and Tim Hanway, Assistant Professor of the Exercise Science Program at Simmons University, will discuss creating a healthier and more fulfilling life in your golden years. This exclusive event is tailor-made for our cherished Jubilee attendees who aspire to age gracefully and maintain an active, joyful lifestyle. This program will delve into the key aspects of healthy aging, offering valuable insights and practical tips that cater specifically to the needs of our community. These experts will guide you through nutrition essentials and fitness tips, providing a sensible approach to aging fitfully. Don't miss this unique opportunity to empower yourself with knowledge and connect with like-minded individuals on the path to a vibrant and fulfilling future. Secure your spot and invest in the well-being you deserve! This will also be broadcast for virtual registrants.

Hotel details or to book online. After the deadline, the hotels reserve the right to continue to offer the special rate and accommodate room requests based on availability.

Special rates for rooms are available at:

• The Inn at Longwood ($259/night)
  Call reservations at: (800) 468-2378 or (617) 731-4700
  Group code SIMA0624
  Or
  Book Online
  Deadline: Apr 7, 2024
• Hilton Garden Inn Boston Brookline ($329/night)
  Call reservations at: (617) 935-0077
  Or
  Book Online
  Deadline: May 1, 2024
• The Colonnade ($359/night)
  Reference code SIM31
  Call reservations at: (617) 424-7000
  Or
  Book Online
  Deadline to Enroll: May 10, 2024

• Single, air-conditioned room with private bath. Two-night stay $165
• Double, air-conditioned room with private bath. Two-night stay $150

Includes linens. No food will be provided at the dormitories. Link is available on the registration.

A discounted parking ticket for Simmons Parking Garage can be requested in the registration process. Pull a parking ticket upon entry to the gate, and a discounted parking ticket will be given at check-in for you to use upon exiting. Daily rates begin at 5am.

Discounted parking rate:

• Friday $24
• Saturday $18
• Sunday $18

Your registration for the weekend includes all shared meals, social and educational programs, shuttles between the Academic and Residential Quads, and transportation for the optional Red Sox and Boston Pops activities. The early bird rate before April 15 is $175; after, the rate increases to $225. The guest rate is $225, regardless of when they register. Optional tickets include a private tour of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston Red Sox, and Boston Pops.

I didn't pre-register. Can I still attend as a "walk-in" guest?
Yes, please check-in Friday 2-6 pm or Saturday morning before noon to inquire about what events, programs, classes are still open for registration. Payment must be in the form of a check. Please note: off-campus ticketed events will not be available.

Can I attend only a few events? I can't stay the entire weekend.
Yes, the registration page is set up to select your own itinerary. The Registration Fee applies to the entire weekend, no matter how many programs you attend.

If I am only attending my (alumnae/i) class celebration, do I have to pay for the general admission fee?
Yes.

What if there is inclement weather?
Jubilee Classes Reunion is happening rain or shine.

Will I receive a Jubilee Classes Reunion Weekend registration confirmation?
Yes, when you register online, you will receive an automatic email confirmation. Mail or phone registrations will receive a confirmation email at the email address that you have specified within 2-4 business days of receiving the registration.

I cannot attend in person. Will there be virtual opportunities to participate? Do I need to register and pay?
Yes, the State of the University, and lectures will have a virtual offering. You do have to register so a link can be shared. Note that there is a separate virtual registration from the in-person registration. You do not have to pay for virtual offerings.

I have special dietary needs; will the University be able to accommodate me?
We do our best to accommodate special diets. That being said, we realize some diets are so specialized that we may be unable to make proper arrangements within our food service team. We will try to help individuals attending by making other accommodations within reason. Please note: if you or someone or your guest has a nut allergy, please be aware that our kitchen is not nut-free. Please list all food allergies on your registration form under the dietary/food allergy section.

Do I have to pick my activities and tours before the event?
Simmons must pay for off-campus activity tickets in advance of the reunion, and therefore must have firm counts by April 15. We appreciate you selecting what other activities you plan to attend so that we can select appropriate space. We understand that circumstances happen, and your on-campus activity plans may change during the weekend.

When will I receive my off-campus optional tickets?
All tickets will be given to you at check-in.

Can I get just one night in the dorms?
Sorry, due to the costs incurred for dorm stay (i.e. linens, cleaning, additional staffing, etc.), a two-night minimum is required.

Will Bartol Hall be open for dining?
No food will be available on the residential quad. You are welcome to bring snacks and use existing kitchen areas.

Are there elevators in the dorms?
Yes, we will be using Smith and Evans Dorms, and both have elevators.

Can I share a room with a friend?
Absolutely, but it is the responsibility of the registrant to communicate with the roommate and receive payment from them. A reservation will only be under one name, and payment through the registration process. Administration cannot be responsible to bunk people together.

When are the Residential Campus gates locked in the evening?
Gates are locked at 9:00 PM. After 9:00 PM, please enter the Residential Campus through Simmons Hall.

Are credit card payments, cash or checks accepted?
Checks can be made out to Simmons University with "Jubilee" in the memo line or accompanying registration. Credit card payments cannot be accepted on the day of. Cash or Venmo/Zelle, etc. is not an acceptable form of payment.

Can I register for Reunion and make payments?
If you use a PayPal account to pay for your registration, you can opt into payments on your account.

What happens if I register but get ill or cannot attend for some reason?
Please see our Reunion Cancellation Policy:

We understand that after booking the event unforeseen circumstances may arise, and your plans may need to be adjusted. However, to ensure the smooth execution of our upcoming event and to provide the best experience for all participants, we kindly request your cooperation with our cancellation policy.

Cancellations for registration of all Simmons University-run activities made at least 30 days before the event will be eligible for a full refund. We will make every attempt to resell any tickets/tours purchased; however, a refund for these items is not guaranteed. Cancellations made before 15 days of the event will receive a 50% refund for Simmons University-run activities.

Regrettably, any cancellations within the 14-day window leading up to the event will not be eligible for a refund. We appreciate your understanding and consideration, as this policy allows us to plan and organize the event with the utmost care.

In exceptional cases where unforeseen circumstances prevent your attendance, we encourage you to reach out to us directly. Thank you for your cooperation and continued support.

Will parking be provided?
The Simmons Garage is located on the Academic Campus, with the entrance being off Avenue Louis Pasteur. If using GPS, use the address: 86 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115. Discounted parking tickets for Simmons Parking Garage can be requested at registration. Pull a parking ticket upon entry to the gate, and a discounted parking ticket will be given at check-in for you to use upon exiting. Daily rates begin at 5 am. Discounted parking rate: Friday $24 Saturday $18 Sunday $18

Does Simmons provide transportation from airports/Logan Airport to campus?
No, transportation is not provided by Simmons to or from any airport or Logan.