Thursday, June 5, 2025
3:00 - 5:00 p.m. – Early Check-in for Dorm Stays
Bartol Hall - if arriving after hours please call the housing number in your letter for check in.
If you are staying in the dorms and want to get an early start on the festivities, this is your opportunity to check-in early! Dinner is on your own as the official event starts on Friday. Informal meet-ups may take place in the dorm lounges.
Friday, June 6, 2025
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. – Housing Check-in
Bartol Hall - if arriving after hours please call the housing number in your letter for check in.
8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. – Continental Breakfast
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. – Event Check-in
Common Grounds, Main College Building
Welcome back to campus! Let's officially kick-off Simmons' 125th Anniversary Reunion Weekend! Stop by our check in area to pick up your name badge, commemorative swag, and other event information. A continental breakfast will be provided until 10 a.m.
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. – 125 Time Capsule
Common Grounds, Main College Building
Add a memento, photo, or letter to the Simmons of the future in our 125 time capsule and add a ticket for a raffle.
9:00:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. – Spend a moment reflecting on those we have lost.
A-156, Main College Building
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. – Story Capture
A-153, Main College Building
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. – Campus Tours
Common Grounds, Main College Building
Join a student ambassador for a journey across campus and an optional tour of the residential campus.
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. – Off Campus Tour of Fenway Park
Fenway Park, Gate D
Registered individuals make your way to Gate D at the corner of Jersey Street and Van Ness Street.
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. – Story Capture Activities
Reflect on your Simmons experiences, and capture your stories as part of the oral history, and contributing memories to the 125th anniversary time capsule.
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. – Simmons Archives Presentation: 125 Years of Empowerment…The Legacy and Evolution of Simmons University
A-152, Main College Building
Travel back in time with University Archives for an interactive journey through the history of Simmons, the evolution of our women's centered education, and over a century's worth of archives. Discover why Simmons is Founded for Equality, Built for Now.
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. – (Choice 1) Leadership Workshop with President Wooten
A-152, Main College Building
Join President Lynn Perry Wooten for an engaging session on everyday leadership. President Wooten will explore how the values, principles, and educational outcomes of a Simmons degree equip our students and alumnae/i to lead with passion and purpose–both in their professional careers and in their daily lives. Dr. Wooten’s academic work bridges leadership theory with practical tools for leading across both public and private sector industries at all stages of one's career.
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. – (Choice 2) Decades in Motion: Tailoring Your Approach to Strength, Nutrition, and Movement for a Lifetime of Wellness
A-151, Main College Building
Assistant Professors Jacqueline Beatty and Tim Hanway, along with Associate Professor Matt O’Rourke, and Health & Exercise Science students present this innovative presentation bringing together three areas of expertise to create an engaging, interactive experience that invites attendees to reflect on how strength, movement, nutrition, and skeletal muscle health shape quality of life over time. Learn about the crucial role that muscle strength and muscle-centric health play as individuals move through their lifespan while introducing new ideas like muscle-span (how long high-quality muscle is maintained) and strength-span (how long muscular strength is preserved). Hear about the latest research, from our incredible students, and seeing how Simmons continues to lead the way in women-focused innovation, education, and lifelong wellness.
1:00 - 2:30 p.m. – President's Welcome Luncheon and State of the University Address
Linda K. Paresky Center, Main College Building, A -310
Overflow in the Special Functions Room A-070, Main College Building
Simmons ninth president and first African-American president, Dr. Lynn Perry Wooten welcomes you back to campus, hosts this celebratory luncheon with University leadership, and shares important updates, exciting news, and highlights for Simmons future. The 50th reunion class will be honored through a traditional Daisy Chain ceremony that will also take place during this time.
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. – Book Talk: 'Natural Magic' by Author and Simmons Professor Renee Bergland or Affinity Programming
A-152, Main College Building
Join author and Simmons Professor Renee Bergland as she delivers a book talk focused on her latest book, Natural Magic: Emily Dickinson, Charles Darwin, and the Dawn of Modern Science, which was reviewed in The Wall Street Journal. This author spotlight will also include a Q&A and book signing.
4:00 - 5:00 p.m. – Traditional Friday Tea
Beatley Library
Let's (figuratively) spill the tea as the undergraduate Alumnae/i Association hosts a nostalgic Simmons Tea with a performance by aluma Madilyn Dundon '24 and her musical partner in their group Two for Tea.
5:30 - 8:00 p.m. – Class Events
- 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. – Class of 1966 Zoom
Knight Boardroom (A-120)
Class Milestone Events
(Receptions 5:30 - 7 p.m., Dinners 6:00 - 8 p.m.)
- 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. – Class of 1965 Dinner
Library Reading Room (A-185) - 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. – Class of 1966 Dinner
Library Reading Room (A-185) - 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. – Class of 1967 Dinner
A-183 - 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. – Class of 1970 Reception and Dinner
Helen G. Drinan Hall, 5th Floor, C-520/21 - 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. – Class of 1972 Reception
Library - 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. – Class of 1975 Dinner
Kotzen (E-001/002) - 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. – Class of 1980 Reception
Helen G. Drinan Hall, C-503/Executive Dining Room - 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. – Class of 1985 Reception
Main College Building, 1st Floor, Ifill College Lounge - 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. – Class of 2000 Reception
Helen G. Drinan Hall, 2nd Floor Lounge - 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. – Class of 2020 Reception
Helen G. Drinan Hall, 2nd Floor Lounge
8:00 - 10:00 p.m. – Entertainment: Outdoor Concert
Residence Campus Quad (rain: Alumnae/i Hall)
Wrap up the first evening of the weekend with an outdoor concert filled with energy and entertainment by the Sugarbabies.
Saturday, June 7, 2025
7:00 - 9:00 a.m. – Residence Hall Coffee Station
Bartol Hall
Grab a snack to hold you over.
8:30 - 9:30 a.m. – Fun Run or Walk & Talk
Bartol Hall
Self-guided run or walk featuring a local outdoor art exhibit and an opportunity to connect on interesting topics.
8:15 - 10:00 a.m. – Boston Duck Tour
Meet in Lefavor Lobby for an 8:30 sharp departure
Hop aboard Boston Duck Tours and enjoy a fully narrated and guided, historic tour of Boston in a "DUCK", an amphibious landing vehicle that travels on land and water. You’ll cruise by all the places that make Boston the birthplace of freedom and a city of firsts! Just when you think you’ve seen it all, it’s time for a Big Splash as your ConDUCKtor drives the DUCK right into the Charles River for a breathtaking view of the Boston and Cambridge skylines.
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. – Memorial Room
A-156, Main College Building
9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. – Event Check-in, Story Capture Activities, and Campus Tours
A-156, Main College Building
If you missed the opportunity the day before, stop by our welcome and concierge area to pick up your name badge, commemorative swag and other event information. Here's another chance to reflect on your Simmons experiences, capture your stories as part of the oral history, and contribute memories and memorabilia to the 125th anniversary time capsule. Join a student ambassador for a journey across both the residence and academic campuses to see what's stayed the same since your time as a student and what's different, including the new Living and Learning Center under construction, the new Science Center and the newly renovated Library.
9:30 - 11:30 a.m. – Alumnae/i Association Annual Meeting & Awards Brunch
Linda K. Paresky Center, Main College Building, A -310
Celebrate the achievements of Simmons graduates and engage with fellow alums at the Alumnae/i Association Annual Meeting & Awards Brunch. This inspiring event features updates from the Association, recognition of outstanding alumnae/i, and opportunities to connect over brunch. A virtual participation opportunity will be offered for those not able to join us in person.
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. – Campus Tour
1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. – Campus Tour
Common Grounds, Main College Building
Join a student ambassador for a journey across campus and an optional tour of the residential campus.
11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. (Choice 1) – Live Your Passion, Define Your Purpose: A Career and Life Panel for Every Stage
A-151, Main College Building
Join us for an inspiring panel discussion designed to help you align your career and life with what truly matters most. Whether you're starting your journey, navigating a mid-career transition, or exploring opportunities in retirement, our panelists will share their insights on finding passion, embracing purpose, and achieving fulfillment at every stage of life. This will be an interactive session with the opportunity for networking and self-reflection. Come gain valuable perspectives and actionable strategies for your unique journey! The Career Education Center will have a photographer present if it's time for a new, professional headshot! Panelists include Marcela Aldaz-Matos '06MBA,'07C, Rebecca McCune '18, Kathy Simon '09MSW, and moderated by Dr. Adunni Slackman Anderson '73.
11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. (Choice 2) – From Caution to Opportunity: The Two Sides of Generative AI
A-152, Main College Building
Generative AI is transforming how we work, create, and interact with technology–but not without challenges. Dr. Ammina Kothari, (Dean of The Gwen Ifill School of Media, Humanities and Social Sciences) will explore key concerns, including privacy, security, misinformation, and environmental impact. Dr. Sanda Erdelez (Dean of The School of Library and Information Science) will highlight the practical benefits: how to leverage AI effectively, craft better prompts, and stay informed about its rapid evolution. Join us for a balanced discussion on navigating the risks and opportunities of Generative AI.
1:00 - 3:00 p.m. – Rockin' Burgers Food Truck and Palagi Brothers Ice Cream
Academic Quad (rain location: in the Fens)
Purchase a tasty bite and enjoy a complimentary ice cream or frozen lemonade.
1:00 - 3:00 p.m. – Simmons Cup Re-Imagined
Academic Quad (rain location: in the Fens)
Celebrate this beloved tradition with a collection of team-based lawn games for everyone to enjoy! Whether you're a former student athlete or not, playing to win or just for laughs, the Simmons Cup is all about community, connection, and friendly competition. Spectators are encouraged!
1:00 - 3:00 p.m. – Class of 1965 Meeting
Knight Boardroom (A-120)
12:00 - 3:00 p.m. – Class of 1967 Meeting
A-183
1:00 - 3:00 p.m. – Class of 1970 Meeting
A-151
1:00 - 3:00 p.m. – Class of 1975 Meeting
Library Reading Room (A-185)
1:00 - 3:00 p.m. – Class of 1977 Meeting
Quadside
2:30 - 4:00 p.m. – (Choice 2) Threads of Legacy: Black Alumnae/i Across Generations
C520/521
Join the African American Alumnae/i Association for an inspiring chat celebrating the trailblazing Black graduates from Simmons’ Jubilee Class of 1975. Along with special members from the Class of 2024, this intergenerational conversation will weave through their transformative journeys–from their paths to Simmons, to their impactful campus experiences, and ultimately to their enduring legacy. Together, we’ll reflect on their groundbreaking contributions, examine progress over the decades, and envision the work still ahead to create a more inclusive future. Let’s honor the patchwork that is our past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future of Black excellence at Simmons.
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. – (Choice 1) Book Talk with Linda Rossetti ‘86, Author of Dancing with Disruption : A New Approach to Navigating Life’s Biggest Changes
Linda K. Paresky Center, Main College Building, A -310
Linda will discuss ways to transform your understanding of upheaval in your life and guide you through a proven toolkit that ensures your personal and career success.
4:00 p.m. – Free Time
Guests are free to relax, connect with friends, stroll campus, or enjoy down/prep time before the evening festivities.
5:00 - 6:00 p.m. – V.I.P. Reception
Holmes Patio (rain location: Holmes Lobby)
By special invitation only, this exclusive V.I.P. (Very Important Philanthropist) reception is open to weekend attendees who purchase a package at the sapphire or platinum level, are current donors (annual contributions total $1899 or more), are members of the John Simmons Society (have included Simmons in their estate planning), or active volunteers in recognition for their generosity, leadership, service, and commitment to Simmons. Members of the University Leadership Team will be in attendance. Refreshments and a brief program will be included.
6:00 - 8:00 p.m. – Class of 1966 Private Meal
Quadside
6:00 - 11:00 p.m. – Sneaker Ball and Sweet Soiree
Sneaker Ball - Holmes Gym
Sweet Soiree - Holmes Patio (rain location: Holmes Lobby)
The signature event of the weekend, the Sneaker Ball, includes dinner, program, entertainment, dessert, dancing, magical moments with friends, favorite faculty and staff both current and former, trustees, and so much more. This event offers a blend of elegance and fun, with an honor to Simmons' past, present, and future. Formal attire and sneakers are suggested, dancing is recommended, and fun is mandatory.
Sunday, June 8, 2025
8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. – Housing Check out
Check out in your dorm lobby.
9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. – Yoga on the Quad
Relax, unwind, and rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit through the exercise of yoga. All level yogis are welcome. Alternatively, weekend participants may prefer to attend a religious offering on their own.
9:00 - 11:00 a.m. – Strawberry Brunch
Join us for a traditional Simmons Strawberry brunch as we exchange weekend reflections, celebrate anniversary reunion accomplishments, and share closing remarks.
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. – May Day in June at the Quad (May Pole)
Let's dance around the Maypole as we wrap up this milestone occasion with a final nod to nostalgia and rally for Simmons' bright future.
*not included in reunion costs/tickets