Featured in Photo: President Provost and AAEB: (back row) Simmons Provost Stephanie Cosner, incoming President of Simmons University Alumnae/i Association Executive Board (AAEB) Priyal Goyal '14, Reunion Steering Committee Chair Enna E. Jimenez '91, '06E, outgoing AAEB President Karen Young-Thomas '77, Simmons President Lynn Perry Wooten, AAEB Treasurer Fay A. Bean '75. (front row) Chair of the Board of Trustees Regina Pisa, Honorary Trustee Deborah C. Brittain '74MSW, Adunni Slackman Anderson '73
Over 350 members of the Simmons community gathered on campus June 6–8 to celebrate Simmons University’s 125th Anniversary with a unique Reunion for all classes that included special celebrations for the classes of 1965, 1966, 1967, 1970, 1972, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 2000, and 2003. The Reunion featured presentations by Simmons President Lynn Wooten, as well as faculty, staff, and members of the Alumnae/i Board.
As President Wooten said in her welcome address, “Whether you graduated one year ago or 60 years ago, your presence here is a testament to the power of a Simmons education and the incredible legacy that shines through each of you.”
Alumnae/i were entertained and inspired by expert-led workshops, affinity group gatherings, and opportunities to reflect on Simmons’ rich history as well as their own Simmons’ experience.
The weekend also featured the first-ever Sneaker Ball, a night of dinner and dancing in comfortable footwear. In addition to exploring the most recent renovations and staying overnight on the Residence Campus, alumnae/i participated in long-standing campus traditions, including Friday Tea, the Daisy Chain, the Strawberry Breakfast, and the Maypole Celebration. They also ventured off campus for a tour of Fenway Park and a Boston Duck Tour.
“We are all passionate about Simmons,” President Wooten said, in an address to alumnae/i. “You carry the Simmons mission into our workplaces and showcase its spirit in our communities. But you are not only a critical part of our present. You are also essential to our future. For Simmons to continue to thrive for the next 125 years, we need your stories, your voices, and your continued support. Thank you for all you do for this institution and our world. Thank you for taking time out of your busy lives to celebrate and reconnect … And most of all, thank you for continuing to champion your story, our story, the Simmons story, loudly and proudly.”
Supporting Simmons for Future Generations
The 125th Anniversary Reunion was co-hosted by the undergraduate Alumnae/i Association and the Office of Advancement and Alumnae/i Relations with a twin focus on celebrating as well as fundraising for Simmons' future. Together, they surpassed the $1 million goal and raised more than $2.5 million in scholarship funds, including the establishment of three new class scholarships (Classes of 1964, 1965, and 1975) and another (Class of 1974) was close to their goal of $100,000.
Gifts made after June 30 are also appreciated and will have an impact on the student experience, but will not count toward the 125th anniversary (Simmons will apply them to the new fiscal year instead). As part of the Legacy Brick Program, you can also make a $250 donation and Simmons will engrave your name on a brick to be placed in a patio on Simmons campus (300 The Fenway, Boston) as part of the new Living and Learning Center now under construction.
