Welcome Messages

We invite you to share a message of welcome with President Lynn Perry Wooten and the Simmons community.

Boston skyline with Simmons cupola

View messages from the community

Judith Fichtenbaum '66
Alumnae/i, School of Nursing, Simmons University

I particularly enjoyed your participation in the WBUR Town Hall panel discussing life moving forward!


Sarah Cooper '87
Alumnae/i, Simmons University

Welcome to Simmons!


Michelle Putnam
Professor, Director of the SW PhD Program, School of Social Work, Simmons University

Welcome to Simmons Dr. Wooten! Delighted to have you join us. I look forward to introducing you to our SW PhD program.


Josephine Atinaja-Faller
Professor, Simmons University

Welcome and congratulations on your appointment as our 9th President. I look forward to your leadership and expertise. This is an exciting time for Simmons University. I can't wait to work with you and get to know you. Best wishes!


Dommies Blessed '10MSW
Alumnae/i, Simmons University

Congratulations Dr. Wooten! Let’s make herstory!!!


Karen Thomas '77
Alumnae/i, Simmons University

Dr. Wooten, as vice president of the class of 1977, and classmate of the late Gwen Ifill, it is with great joy and a sense of pride that I welcome you to Simmons. This is where I learned to dream some of my biggest dreams and hone the tools to make them come true. As a black alum I have waited and worked for this day and not only wish you the best, but pledge you my best... I am sure that Gwen is looking down and smiling on you too.


Erik Gordon
Friend

Simmons community, you are welcoming a fabulous President. I have been a faculty colleague of Lynn at two universities. You are getting a serious scholar, an experienced, respected academic leader who has a heart for students and for faculty and staff. Important bonus: she is a really nice person. Congratulations Simmons!


Beverly Sealey '77
Alumnae/i and Professor, Simmons University

Dear Dr. Wooten, welcome and congratulations on your appointment as the 9th President of Simmons University. I am looking forward to your leadership, and working with you.


Laurel Guild Yancey '75
Alumnae/i, Simmons University

Congratulations on your appointment as the first African American president of Simmons University, and welcome to Boston, my former home town. I look forward to meeting and speaking with you personally either during the 2020 45th class reunion or soon thereafter. So proud of you and of my Alma mater. Wishing you all of the very best in your new endeavor!


Dana Grossman Leeman, PhD
Provost Faculty Fellow for Online Education, Simmons University

Welcome to Simmons! I hope you find great fulfillment in your role as President of the University and look forward to seeing the new vision and life you will bring to this community.


Lynette Cook-Francis
Former SVP, Student Engagement and Enrollment, Simmons University

I can't wait to work with you...We're looking forward to doing great things under your presidency!


Lynne Marino
Alumnae/i, Simmons University

Welcome to the Simmons Community and to Boston, Dr. Wooten! Growing up in Michigan, I enjoyed many happy times at the UofM with my family. However, the choice to go to Simmons was the one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! I look forward to meeting you!


Nancy Burchfield '75
Alumnae/i, Simmons University

Happy to have such a distinguished academic accept this appointment to lead Simmons forward. Delighted to welcome you.


Kia Hagens
Friend

Congratulations Soror President. Wishing you all the best. Michigan will miss you.


Marissa Soucy '13
Alumnae/i, Simmons University

Welcome to the Simmons community Dr. Wooten. I hope you love Simmons as much as I do and we can all work together to continue to bring Simmons into the future! Truly my favorite place!


Margaret Akingbade '73
Alumnae/i, Simmons University

Dear Dr. Wooten, I join others in welcoming you to this very special school. It is exciting to see Simmons appoint her first black President! I am also thrilled about your connection with A&T University in Greensboro North Carolina where many of my family members, including my son received their college education. I wish you the very best in moving Simmons forward especially in her continued effort to be as inclusive as possible. I am proud to call Simmons my Alma Matter. Congratulations to you and to Simmons University!


Kate Lindquist '03
Alumnae/i, Simmons University

Welcome to Simmons, Dr. Wooten! I’m so pleased to see a woman leading my alma mater into its next great chapter. Wishing you all the best and so excited for what’s next.


Bobbi Thompson '77, P'11
Alumnae/i, Simmons University

Dr. Wooten, Welcome to Simmons University. More than ever our mission is relevant and needed. I am excited for your upcoming Presidency and wish you all luck and success.


Nancy Teshony Fenney '71
Alumnae/i, Simmons University

Welcome to the Simmons family, and best wishes in your new role. The university is very fortunate to have been chosen by you!


Colette Dieujuste
Professor, Simmons University

Dear Lynn, Congratulations and welcome to Simmons. Success and Blessings as our ninth President!


Sherry Grossman '75
Alumnae/i, Developmental Psychology with Honors, Simmons University

Mazel Tov Lynn and welcome to the school that changed my life for the better the moment I transferred, in every way possible!


Larry McDaniel, PhD
Former member of The PhD Project Management Doctoral Students Association (MDSA)

Congratulations Dr. Wooten! Wishing you the best!


Colin Rhinesmith
Assistant Professor, Simmons University

Dear Dr. Wooten, welcome to Simmons! We look forward to working with you.


John Tropman
Colleague, University of Michigan

This is fantastically good news -- and a perfect appointment.


Edina Skaljic
Alumnae/i, Simmons University

Welcome to Simmons Dr. Wooten! This announcement put a huge smile on my face. I am so eager and excited to see what the future holds for Simmons under your leadership. The Boston academic community at large, in general, is fortunate to have you here.


Jaeden Jackson '21
Future student, Simmons University

Congratulations on your new appointed role as the President of Simmons University.


Madeleine Taylor '69BS
Alumnae/i, Simmons University

Welcome Sistah, I know that you can make a real difference here. Please accept my best wishes as you address the challenges ahead.


Natasha Moustache '04
Alumnae/i, Simmons University

CONGRATULATIONS Dr. Wooten. Looking forward to seeing how you shape the future of Simmons.


Jonathan Steele
AVP, Advancement Communications, Simmons University

Congratulations and welcome to Simmons! I look forward to working with you and supporting you and our important mission of empowering our students and community. I hope you enjoy getting to know our students, faculty, and staff; our devoted alumnae/i community; and the indomitable Simmons spirit.


Leslie Morris '75
Alumnae/i, Simmons University

Dear Dr. Wooten, Congratulations on your recent appointment! As a black alum of the class of 1975 at Simmons, I am elated that I am still here on earth to see a black woman appointed to the top position at my alma mater. Our 45th class reunion is in May of this year and I hope to meet you. Although my class had the largest number of black women in the history of the college, our presence at the general class reunions is small. Perhaps this will change at the upcoming reunion. Welcome, Dr. Wooten, to the Simmons community. And congratulations on all your accomplishments and achievements.


Gabrielle Womack
Alumnae/i, Simmons University

Welcome, Dr. Wooten! I am so happy to see you serving as President of Simmons. I hope to meet you in the future.


Vicki Cohn '80 DDS, D.ABDSM
Alumnae/i, Simmons University

Congratulations to you and Simmon’s University! Excellence continues....


Katie Schuller Bleakie '94
Alumnae/i and Trustee, Simmons University

As a Trustee of Simmons, I congratulate Lynn on her appointment & Simmons for their foresight in choosing Lynn Wooten as our 9th President. Lynn is perfect for Simmons in every way. Welcome Lynn. I look forward to working with you.


Erin Hatton

Congratulations, President Wooten! I am proud to call you my former SHLI Dean


Emily Mills '19
Alumnae/i, Simmons University

Welcome to the incredible community that is Simmons University. Congratulations!


Frances Goldberg '59
Alumnae/i, Supporter, Simmons University

Dear Dr. Lynn, As an alumna '59 and a strong supporter of Simmons University and of President Drinan, it is my pleasure to welcome you to our Simmons Community. Having read about your credentials and accomplishments, I see you as a natural to lead our university in the era to come. We wish you the very best in the years to come.


Susan Antonelli, '98
Former Dean of Students, Simmons University

Welcome to the Simmons family, Dr. Wooten! We are so fortunate to have someone with your expertise and experience leading us into a bright and successful future. The Office of Student Affairs stands ready to support you in your transition to Simmons, and to welcome you into our community of students, staff, and faculty. Auguri!


Natalie Schwartzstein Fleischman ‘84
Alumnae/i, Simmons University

Congratulations and welcome to Simmons. An extraordinary place upon which your exceptional background makes you uniquely qualified to take to the next level. I am impressed with your experiences and credentials. Really proud too that Simmons was able to attract such a fabulous leader and the committee made the excellent decision to bring you on to lead the University. Bravo! I look forward to meeting you and a potential future partnership working on behalf of my alma mater. As I tell everyone, attending Simmons was the top of four life decisions for me. Up there with the man I wed, and my children and the profession I’ve been dedicated to these last three decades. Good luck with the transition. Simmons is so lucky!!! Welcome!!


Catherine Shippey '67
Alumnae/i, Simmons University

Welcome to Simmons. I think the school will benefit greatly from your experience and academic achievements.


Alys Nawawi '90BS, '92MS
Alumnae/i, Simmons University

Welcome to Simmons, and to Boston.


Naresh Agarwal
Professor, Simmons University

Dear Lynn, Thrilled to have you as our next President! Welcome to Simmons!


Pat Romney
Served as Equity Consultant to Simmons University

I am thrilled that you will be leading Simmons University into the future! You will work with outstanding faculty and talented and equity-minded administrators. I am so pleased that they will have the benefit of your wisdom and leadership. Sending you all best wishes and warmest regards.


Allison Simmons '90
Alumnae/i, Simmons University

Congratulations! As an alumni- I am excited for the future with you at the helm. Hope that we will be able to meet with you at this years class reunion.


Michele Greenberg '81
Alumnae/i, Supporter, Simmons University

Dear Dr. Wooten- Welcome to Simmons! As an Alumnae ('81), I feel proud that Simmons is moving in a direction that can take us to new heights. Your experience, education and background is an incredible asset to us. I only wish I can return to Simmons to study under your leadership! Best wishes for great success to you and your team.


Elisa van Dam
VP, Strategic Partnerships and Convenings, Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership

Congratulations and welcome to the Simmons community, Lynn! We are so looking forward to working with you.


Peter Bowers

Congratulations and welcome to Simmons


Ellen Wade-Medeiros
Friend

Welcome, Dr. Wooten, to Boston and especially to Simmons University.


Elizabeth Hageman '63
Alumnae/i, Simmons University

Welcome to the Simmons community--May your time there be as rewarding as mine was as an English major from 1959 to 1963!


Allison Pazar Sarno
Alumnae/i, Simmons University

Dear Lynn, Welcome to the Simmons family! As an alumna of Simmons, I am so excited to support you and continue to dream of the brightest possible future for our University. Best wishes for much success.


Phil Buchanan
President, Center for Effective Philanthropy

Lynn, I am so excited for you! I so appreciate your service to the Center for Effective Philanthropy Board of Directors which has allowed me to see first hand and up close your wisdom and insight. You've been a wonderful colleague, mentor, and friend and Simmons is so lucky that you will be at the helm. Your deep integrity, leadership and organizational behavior expertise, vision, and commitment to learning and scholarship are unmatched! Congratulations!


Pamela Dashiell '75
Alumnae/i and Member of Dean’s Council, Simmons University

Welcome to the Simmons community and to Boston. I look forward to meeting you and to the future of Simmons University under your leadership.


Vivienne Piroli
Director, Simmons University Library

Dear Lynn, On behalf of the Simmons University Library and Archives, I extend a warm welcome and a hearty congratulations on becoming the ninth president of Simmons University. We look forward to working with you.


Diane Grossman
Professor, Simmons University

Lynn, I feel so fortunate to have been part of the search process. As a faculty member and as the President of the Senate, I am committed to partnering with you in the next phase of Simmons's evolution.


Ed Vieira
Professor, Simmons University

Welcome to Simmons, Dr. Wooten! We look forward to working with you.


Jennifer Nelson Handt '98
Alumnae/i, Simmons University

Welcome, Dr. Wooten! How lucky we are to have someone with your experience and impact to lead our beloved Simmons boldly into the next decade. I can't wait to see how you help our alma mater exploit its many talents, gifts and resources to impact women's leadership in the world!


Kenyora Parham '10
Alumnae/i and President of the African-American Alumnae/i Association, Simmons University

On behalf of the African-American Alumnae/i Association, congratulations and welcome to Simmons! We are thrilled for this new chapter and look forward to working alongside you in the future.


Jaclyn Anderson
PLAN Program Assistant, Undergraduate Education, Simmons University

Welcome and congratulations, Lynn! We're so excited to have you as part of our Simmons University community.


Livic Inoa
Student and Community Outreach Co-Chair of Organización Latinoamericana, Simmons University

Welcome to Simmons, and a big congratulations! I, as well as many other students are excited for what our future holds!


Dawn Kirkman
Parent, Simmons University

Congratulations and welcome! Such very exciting news!


Jon Lapak
Director, Advancement Services, Simmons University

Congratulations and welcome! This is such great news. I'm looking forward to having you join us and lead Simmons into the future, and I know that our alumnae/i will be excited to hear this as well!


Katie Lawson '20
BSN student, Simmons University

Welcome to Simmons Dr. Wooten! We are so excited that you are joining the legacy of Simmons leaders!


Linda Harrison
Parent, Simmons University

Congratulations Dr. Wooten! My daughter Emma is a sophomore there and loves it. Best wishes in your new position!


Sarah Cormier '05
Alumnae/i, Director of Annual Giving, Simmons University

We are so excited to welcome you to Boston and look forward to working together to create an even better Simmons!


Jennifer Herman
Director, Center for Excellence in Teaching, Simmons University

Congratulations and welcome to the Simmons community! The Center for Excellence in Teaching sends their best and is looking forward to working with you!


Stephanie Berzin
Dean, College of Social Sciences, Policy, and Practice, Simmons University

We are delighted you will be joining us as the University’s 9th President. We look forward to our work together. Welcome!


Brian Norman
Dean, Gwen Ifill College of Media, Arts, and Humanities, Simmons University

Welcome to the Simmons community, Lynn. We look forward to your leadership and building the future with you.


Jeremy Solomon
AVP, Communication & Public Affairs, Simmons University

Congratulations Lynn! Welcome to Boston and to the very special community that is Simmons University. I look forward to orienting you to the dynamic community and government organizations in our thriving city! It is an exciting day for all of us - welcome aboard!


Anna Lifvergren '11BS
Alumnae/i, Simmons University

So honored to have you join our mighty community. Simmons is beloved to me and central to all I've done since my graduation. I hope it will quickly be beloved to you as well. Welcome!


April Evans '91MBA
Alumnae/i and Trustee, Simmons University

What a great day for Simmons, Lynn!  We are so thrilled to have you at the helm taking us into the next phase of Simmons’ growth!!


Millicent Gorham '76 '11HD
Alumnae/i and Trustee, Simmons University

Over the moon excited. Congratulations.  Blessings.


Ambassador (ret) William M. Bellamy '19HD
Trustee and Former Warburg Professor of International Relations, Simmons University

Congratulations Lynn!  You are the ideal candidate to lead Simmons in the coming years, and I and my fellow board members look forward to working with you.


Jennifer Eckert '08MSW
Alumnae/i and Trustee, Simmons University

Congratulations and welcome Lynn to the Simmons community! We are thrilled to have you and look forward to supporting you in the exciting upcoming years!


Janet Walzer
AVP, University Communications, Simmons University

Congratulations and welcome to Simmons and Boston! The University Comms team is excited to partner with you on telling the Simmons story!


Tiffany Dufu '19HD
Trustee, Simmons University

Welcome Lynn! Serving on the Presidential Search Committee that led to your leadership was a highlight of my Simmons journey. I'm thrilled to witness you apply your analytical rigor, creativity and passion to furthering the university's impact in the world.


Pamela J. Toulopoulos '73
Alumnae/i and Trustee, Simmons University

Welcome to Simmons, Lynn! We are fortunate and thankful to have someone with your talent and experience join us as our ninth president.


Katie Conboy
Former Provost and Senior Vice President, Simmons University

Lynn, you are clearly the President Simmons needs for its next stage of development!  Everyone here looks forward to working with you as we chart the future!


Suzie Murphy
VP, Strategic Initiatives, Simmons University

Welcome to Simmons, Lynn! We look forward to new challenges, continued successes, and creating a remarkable future, ably guided by our new president.


Susan Brady
CEO, Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership

Lynn! Congratulations! I so look forward to getting to know you and to working with you here at Simmons and with our evolving and exciting Institute for Inclusive Leadership.


Jane Buyers '81
Alumnae/i and Trustee, Simmons University

Welcome Lynn! We are excited for you to join and lead the Simmons community. Wishing you much success and promising you much support.


Enna Jimenez ‘91
Alumnae/i, Former Trustee and Former President of Alumnae Association Executive Board, Simmons University

Congratulations and welcome to Simmons Lynn! Excited to work together as we continue to grow our Alumnae/i base and lead Simmons through its next chapter. 


Dwight Crane
Trustee, Simmons University

Lynn, it was a pleasure getting to know during the search process.  I am delighted you accepted our offer to serve as President of Simmons and I look forward to following your progress.  I am sure you will be a great success!


Debra Pérez
SVP, Organizational Culture, Inclusion and Equity, Simmons University

Dear Lynn, Felicidades and Welcome to Simmons! The OCIE Team is so excited to partner with you. I have no doubt your expertise will bring us closer to making Simmons the most inclusive campus in New England.


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