Shout-outs from Students and Alums
Bridging Public Art and Public Service
Art history major Cathie Behrend ’70 recently received a Legacy Award from the 92nd Street Y in New York City. We spoke with her about receiving this honor, her love of art and public service, and her Simmons experience.
Forging a Path in Community Health
Joan Vera ’27MSN shares her experience in the direct entry Master of Science in nursing and post-graduate certificate family nurse practitioner (MSN/PGC FNP), an accelerated program for students who completed a bachelor’s degree in a field outside of nursing.
SLIS Alumnae/i Named Movers & Shakers
Jessica Chapel ’19MS and Katelyn Duncan ’16MS were selected for the 2026 Movers & Shakers by Library Journal.
Discovering a Social Work Calling at Simmons
Brinika Hargrove ’27 found renewed hope and support through Simmons’ online degree completion program, balancing motherhood, work, and school with determination. Now pursuing social work, she’s channeling her experiences into a passion for advocacy, using her education to uplift families and communities in need.
Communications Alumna Finds Her Place in the Sports Industry
Laura Doran ’09 has made her career in sports. Now a member of the Advisory Board for the business and leadership in women’s sports concentration, Doran shares how Simmons can prepare students to enter this growing field.
Bringing Cancer Education to Underserved Communities
Nursing student Claire Tuquero ’26 reflects on her involvement with the Passionate Leaders Project and the clinical training she was able to achieve at several Boston hospitals.
Discovering New Approaches to Youth Mental Health
Eric Schade ’26PhD reflects on the opportunities he had to publish with faculty in the Simmons School of Social Work and to connect with other online students in the PhD program. He also shares his research and the the encouragement he received to apply for research funding.
Finding Her Place in Political Science
First-generation student and political science major Syeda Anas ’26 reflects on her involvement with the Barbara Lee Fellowship Program, and about learning to talk to people without fear of judgment.