In honor of the University’s 125th anniversary, we offer an in-depth chronicle of the life and legacy of founder John Simmons (1796–1870).

• 125th Anniversary
• Simmons History

In honor of the University’s 125th anniversary, we examine Barbara (Schneider) Margolis ’51 and her resolute commitment to rehabilitating incarcerated individuals. Barbara Margolis ’51, who majored in retail management (then retailing) at Simmons, became one of the nation’s most beloved prisoners’ rights advocates. Margolis developed rehabilitation and career-transition programs for male inmates at Rikers Island, the world’s largest penal complex (situated within the Bronx and accessible via a girder bridge in Queens).

• 125th Anniversary
• Simmons History
• Social Justice & Advocacy

On October 30, Simmons celebrated Founder's Day; a particularly special event, given the 125th anniversary of the University. Our essay contest winner Abigail Gill ’26, read her essay at the event.

• 125th Anniversary
• First-generation Student
• Simmons History
• Traditions & Annual Events

The Massachusetts Chapter of NASW is one of the largest chapters in the country, with a mission to “advance professional social work practice throughout the Commonwealth and advocate for equity and justice for all people.”

• Awards and Honors
• Simmons History

As we enter the month of March it is an honor to celebrate Women’s History Month. This is an important moment to recognize the many contributions and achievements of women throughout our history, while also reaffirming our commitment to advancing...

• From the President
• Simmons History
• Social Justice & Advocacy

Simmons undergraduates are invited to participate in an essay contest each year on Founder's Day. This year, contestants wrote about how their experience at Simmons realizes John Simmons' vision for educating what President Lynn Perry Wooten calls "everyday leaders" for their life's work. This year's winner was neuroscience major Sonia Vader '27.

• Awards and Honors
• Simmons History
• Traditions & Annual Events

During Simmons’ 2023 Alumnae/i, Family, and Friends Weekend, a series of conversations focused on building the future of the University. This dynamic conversation explored issues of belonging, traditions, and the preservation of history.

• Community Engagement
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
• Facilities
• One Simmons
• Simmons History
• Traditions & Annual Events

At the time it was built in the early 1970’s, the Park Science building served as a symbol of progress and achievement in women-centered education. It challenged gender norms and societal expectations while promoting inclusivity and diversity in academia.

• Facilities
• One Simmons
• Science and Technology
• Simmons History
• Sustainability and the Environment

Chemist and biomedical product developer Stacey Pazar Huth ’87 is a leading woman in medical diagnostics and research and development. Her connection to Simmons also involves her father, who helped build the campus, and her daughter, a current nursing major. We spoke with Huth about her Simmons journey, the gender bias in STEM, and her understanding of legacy.

• Careers and Internships
• One Simmons
• Science and Technology
• Simmons History

This academic year, undergraduate students in the History 380 class have undertaken The Simmons Memory Project, exploring the importance of the residence campus in the university's past, and its meaning to the Simmons community today. Guided by Professor Laura R...

• Simmons History