Simmons University celebrated the 121st Commencement Ceremonies at the MGM Music Hall at Fenway on Friday, May 15, 2026. During two ceremonies, Simmons awarded over 500 baccalaureate degrees and nearly 1,200 graduate degrees to the Class of 2026.

• Commencement

Simmons University’s first annual First-Generation Graduation Ceremony was held on May 11, a joint event presented by the Multicultural Center and First to FINish, the First-Generation Student Support Program that provides resources and guidance for students.

• Commencement
• First-generation Student
• Mentorship

The 2025–26 Barbara Lee Fellows, as well as numerous Massachusetts legislators, attended an end-of-year celebration at the State House. Simmons President Lynn Perry Wooten, Assistant Vice President for Diversity, Strategy, and Engagement Dr. Rachel Deleveaux, and the Fellows shared reflections and expressions of gratitude.

• Community Engagement
• Leadership

Art history major Cathie Behrend ’70 recently received a Legacy Award from the 92nd Street Y in New York City. We spoke with her about receiving this honor, her love of art and public service, and her Simmons experience.

• Awards and Honors
• Careers and Internships
• Community Engagement
• Leadership

Joan Vera ’27MSN shares her experience in the direct entry Master of Science in nursing and post-graduate certificate family nurse practitioner (MSN/PGC FNP), an accelerated program for students who completed a bachelor’s degree in a field outside of nursing.

• Boston
• Clinical Experience

School of Management Professor of Practice Justine Pouravelis was quoted in an article in The Christian Science Monitor, “New investors change the game for women’s pro sports.”

Jessica Chapel ’19MS and Katelyn Duncan ’16MS were selected for the 2026 Movers & Shakers by Library Journal.

• Awards and Honors
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
• Leadership

Brinika Hargrove ’27 found renewed hope and support through Simmons’ online degree completion program, balancing motherhood, work, and school with determination. Now pursuing social work, she’s channeling her experiences into a passion for advocacy, using her education to uplift families and communities in need.

• Mentorship
• Online Student
• Social Justice & Advocacy

Language skills matter more than ever in the diverse and multifaceted field of healthcare. Knowing Spanish is especially valuable and can make a real difference in your healthcare career.

• Careers and Internships
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Laura Doran ’09 has made her career in sports. Now a member of the Advisory Board for the business and leadership in women’s sports concentration, Doran shares how Simmons can prepare students to enter this growing field.

• Athletics
• Careers and Internships