I am so excited to write today as we begin celebrating the 125th anniversary of Simmons University. Throughout 2024, we will offer a variety of ways for our community – students, faculty, staff, alums, and friends – to participate in this historic moment as we honor the many contributions of this institution and the remarkable Simmons trailblazers, visionaries, and leaders who have and continue to shape our University and our world.
Simmons was founded for equality 125 years ago with the idea that women, through education, could achieve greater financial security and independence. This idea – using education to advance social justice and economic mobility – is the heart of all we are today. I am proud of our history and the important role Simmons continues to play as one of only 30 women- centered higher education institutions remaining in the U.S.
Today, Simmons continues to be laser focused on accelerating pathways to meaningful careers and developing students with the leadership skills necessary to create a more just world. As we embark upon the next 125 years, we are honoring our institution’s legacy of economic mobility and social justice by helping to ensure more students can access the transformative power of a college education. To achieve this goal, we are launching ‘125 for 125’ – an ambitious initiative to create 125 new Simmons scholarships by engaging our community of alums, donors, and friends.
Our institution will also mark several other important milestones this year— including the Simmons School of Social Work, which is celebrating its 120th anniversary and 40 years of its renowned PhD Social Work program; and The Horn Book, which is celebrating 100 years of excellence. In addition, the Simmons School of Business, which was founded in 1974, is celebrating 50 years as we launch the new School of Management.
The world needs Simmons, and we look forward to celebrating this historic moment with you. On our 125th anniversary web page we have created a new feature honoring Simmons’ notable alums throughout history, a timeline of key Simmons-related milestones, custom 125th anniversary Zoom backgrounds, and a message board to share your favorite Simmons-related stories, memories, and photographs.
In addition, Simmons and the Student Government Association will celebrate Women’s College Week next week with a variety of events. As part of this, I invite you to join me for Coffee with the President next Thursday, March 21, from 9 to 10 am in Common Grounds. Please also visit our 125th anniversary web page for the latest news, updates, and events – including a larger celebration we are planning for Fall 2024 in advance of Founders Day.
Simmons was founded for equality, and it is built for now – for this critical moment. Thank you for being part of this extraordinary journey, and I hope you will join us as we honor Simmons’ past, celebrate the present, and look forward to a bright future.