As Simmons University celebrates its 125th anniversary, culminating in a special 125th Reunion this June, the Simmons Magazine team reflected on our founding mission of empowering women through education to achieve independent livelihoods. We discussed how this commitment has evolved into providing an inclusive, experiential, and rigorous education that creates a space for students to embrace their voices and identities and prepares them to thrive in their careers and lives, and how that could be a central theme for the issue.
As we began to plan, we took a look back through history at both photography over the decades and at some of our incredible alumnae/i, faculty, staff, friends, and traditions. With the invaluable help of the Simmons University Archives, we were able to present some of these inspiring stories and images, pairing historical images as far back as the early 1900s with modern-day pieces. Together, they show how Simmons was founded for equality, and how it came to be so vital and built for the current moment and beyond.
Our team members in University Communications and the Office of Advancement were excited to tackle this project. We had a great time unearthing bits of Simmons’ past and interesting trivia, as well as many absolutely gorgeous images from across the past 125 years. We asked Simmons Magazine team members to contribute any thoughts, reflections, or things to look for in this issue.
Robert Dunn, co-editor
Engaging with Simmons alumnae/i and friends is a joy and privilege for all of us in the Office of Advancement. One of many rewarding aspects of working on this issue of Simmons Magazine was learning more about alumnae/i from generations past and what Simmons was like “back then.” Just as exciting was “meeting” future alumnae/i — current students still writing their Simmons stories and who will help to carry the University’s legacy forward.
Alessandra Morgan ’12MS, co-editor
It was a real treat to work with the designer and various photographers and illustrators who contributed to this issue and see how their work turned out and how they interpreted the assignment — the stylized and colorized illustration of John Simmons is definitely one of my favorite pieces. At Simmons, we are all very familiar with John Simmons’ archival black and white portrait, so it is incredible to see him in vibrant color — it really brings him to life.
Kathryn Dickason, writer
When preparing my written content for Simmons Magazine, I delved into the University Archives, read published biographies, and interviewed several alumnae/i, current students, faculty members, and staff. One of the most intriguing sources I consulted was Professor Emeritus of Chemistry Kenneth Lamartine Mark’s 1945 book, Delayed by Fire: Being the Early History of Simmons College (reprinted by Forgotten Books in 2018).
In his text, Mark (who joined the College’s faculty in 1903) articulates the virtuous disposition of the otherwise enigmatic John Simmons. Subsequent chapters detail how the first president, dean, faculty, trustees, donors, and other key figures shaped the institution’s foundational curriculum and organizational culture. (Humorously, Mark was quite intimidated by Sarah Louise Arnold, the College’s first dean and a bold suffragist). The book also includes delightful descriptors of student-led organizations and recreational activity on campus.
In his first chapter, “Opening Exercises,” Mark cites passages from President Henry Lefavour’s opening ceremony address, which took place on October 9, 1902:
We … come together this morning to inaugurate a new educational institution. Such an event is of deepest concern to everyone interested in the large life of a community, for every new educational undertaking is and should be taken as expressing in a measure the ideals of the place from which it springs. This college is unique, in that it is the first to stand in New England for a utilitarian education for [women], while aiming not to neglect any influence that may broaden students’ outlooks and deepen their lives. What our idea may accomplish, however, will be determined by you young women … I would suggest that thrift and helpfulness, the qualities of this foundation, be the qualities at which you aim. Mr. Simmons won his fortune by thrift, and he wished to spend it upon helpfulness … You are the first, we hope, of a long line of daughters of Simmons College, who will one day look back with pride to this simple occasion.
These words, I imagine, still resonate with myriad generations of Simmons alumnae/i.
Alisa M. Libby, writer
Gregory Maguire ’78MA was a delight to speak to, about writing, fiction, and life in general. And as a Simmons alumnus, he’s in good company; our “bookshelf” of Simmons authors includes a diverse array of engaging titles. I’ve added a few to my reading list!
Mack MacKenzie ’21, writer
Helping assemble this magazine made me feel closer to the Simmons community. Going through the archives and seeing student life from decades before my experience at Simmons was fascinating. The differences were cool, but it was the similarities that really caught me. There was something almost comforting seeing students from decades ago gather in the same places I went as a student, the same place students gather now. There has always been a passion and determination behind Simmons students, you can feel it on campus, but you can see it in the photos, too. It’s really cool to think that Simmons has been helping students become leaders in their field and life for over 125 years.