On May 15, one day before the 2025 Commencement ceremonies, Academic Advisor Christine Henningson hosted a celebration for adult learners who earned their undergraduate degrees through the Simmons Online Degree Completion Program. We spoke to a few graduates about what the program meant to them.
“It’s so nice to meet you in person!” Henningson said, addressing the graduates in attendance.
This sentiment was expressed repeatedly as graduates of the Simmons Online Degree Completion Program arrived at the Center for Student Success on May 15 to celebrate their achievements.
Felipa Arevalo ’25 credits the program with “broadening my imagination, locally and globally.” Arevalo, who lives in Texas, wanted a fully online experience to complete her BS in Business Administration degree from the School of Management.
“My goal is to use my marketing skills to help businesses in the science field and non-profit organizations,” said Arevalo, who cited the course Social Action Leaders (BUS 224) for “inspiring her to help others” with a project working with Rosie’s Place, a Boston-based shelter for women experiencing homelessness. Arevalo’s education doesn’t stop here; she plans to obtain experience in the field first before pursuing a master’s degree.
Arevalo became friends with local online student, Elekcia Pimentel ’25, who studied computer science with a focus on information technology and cybersecurity. Though the two were in separate classes, they connected early on in the program. “We cheered each other on when times were hard,” said Pimentel. This pre-Commencement celebration was the first time they had met in person.
“I completed my degree to provide me with greater flexibility to pursue a different position or advance within my current organization,” said Pimentel, who is employed at a hospital in the Longwood Medical Area. “I knew Simmons from its reputation. After the pandemic, I knew it was time to start, before my kids went off to college.” Pimentel’s children watched their mother cross the stage at Commencement the next day.
Arevalo and Pimentel, who both have full-time jobs and families, praised the adaptability of the online degree. “It gets challenging, but having that flexibility allows balance,” said Pimentel.
Another graduate, Kayla Baillargeon ’25, earned a bachelor’s degree in human services to support her ongoing role as a Parent Advocate. She is the founder of the non-profit Proactive Families Advocacy Inc. (PFAinc.). The organization provides support and guidance for parents navigating government-run child protection agencies, with the goal of “stabilizing and preserving families,” and reducing out-of-home placements.
“I have a passion [for parent advocacy work] because of my lived experience with the child welfare system,” said Baillargeon, who is a Parent Advocate for Community Legal Aid, an interdisciplinary team offering support for parents. Over the past years, Baillargeon has advocated for numerous cases and, she reports, “Most families I have worked with have not returned to the system.”
Baillargeon’s studies at Simmons have informed this work. “I understand the intersectionality [of identities] and how it applies to cases of child welfare,” she noted. She has also worked with the Committee for Public Counsel Services to train attorneys and create informational resources that help prepare parents for their day in court. Since founding PFAinc., she’s met with parent advocates in other states, encouraging and guiding them to establish their own non-profit organizations. Baillargeon was invited to present her experience at the Advocates Unite! – Massachusetts CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children) Association Summit later this month.
Her work has also impacted the legislature. Baillargeon advocated for a bill that includes “coercive control and digital exploitation as forms of domestic violence,” which Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signed into law in June 2024. “We’re working on an act to enhance child welfare for survivors of domestic violence, which is now on the Senate floor,” said Baillargeon, who plans to return to Simmons for a Master’s in Social Work.
Christina Orfanos ’25, who also attended the celebration, had expressed her thoughts on LinkedIn after completing her Bachelor of Arts degree in Applied Psychology.
“I am incredibly proud of this achievement, and modeling for my teenage twin daughters that we can always keep learning and do hard things at any point in our lives,” wrote Orfanos, in January of this year. “Completing my degree in just over three years while balancing work as an executive, along with family responsibilities, has been both challenging and rewarding.”
While not having a bachelor’s degree did not hold Orfanos back from establishing a successful career as a human resources executive, completing the degree became important for her, personally.
“My journey at Simmons has been immensely rewarding,” she said in her social media post. “As a mom, a student, and an HR executive, I sought to combine my business and leadership experiences with an enhanced understanding of psychology and human behavior. Interacting with multigenerational students with diverse experiences validated the importance of lifelong learning, active listening, genuine connections, collaboration, and mentorship — key attributes of great leaders. This experience has equipped me with invaluable skills and perspectives. My expanded knowledge in applied psychology enhances my capabilities as an HR executive to lead with empathy, and innovate with a human-centric approach to drive organizational success.”
Associate Provost, Curriculum, Assessment, and Accreditation Kelly Hager, who oversees the Degree Completion Program, with Christine Hennigson as academic advisor, offered her own words of encouragement.
“This program means as much to me as it does to you,” said Hager, who echoed advice she had offered when the students began their studies. “When I welcome students to this program, I give them three pieces of advice: celebrate the milestones along the way, think about the value of each step (each class, each assignment, each experience) in and to your professional and your personal life.
Hager offered a slight revision to that initial advice for the graduates assembled. “Celebrate this milestone, not just today or tomorrow, but always. When things get challenging, remember what you accomplished here. As you move forward, think of the value of each experience. And keep reaching out to us — we are your village and we will remain your village. I commend you all for your passion and determination.”