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Exclusive Event Honors Leadership Donors and Honorary Degree Recipients

(May 29, 2009) -- On May 14, nearly 250 alumnae/i and friends gathered to enjoy the annual Commencement Recognition Celebration. For the first time in its history, this evening of appreciation for members of the 1899 Society and the John Simmons Society was held at Simmons. Members of these giving societies include leadership donors of $1,000 and above and those who have included Simmons College in their estate planning.

Chair of the Board Lauren Brisky '73 (left) and Gwen Ifill '77, '93HD with this year's honorary degree recipients Mitsuye Yamada, Bereket Habte Selassie, Rosa Ellena Bello, Erma B. Brooks (seated) and President Helen G. Drinan '75LS '78SM (right).
  Chair of the Board Lauren Brisky '73 (left) and Gwen Ifill '77, '93HD with this year's honorary degree recipients Mitsuye Yamada, Bereket Habte Selassie, Rosa Ellena Bello, Erma B. Brooks (seated) and President Helen G. Drinan '75LS '78SM (right).

In addition to experiencing the renovated College Center and celebrating the 104th commencement exercises, attendees also recognized this year's five honorary degree recipients: women's health advocate Dr. Rosa Elena Bello, educational equality activist Erma Brooks, human rights and democracy champion Dr. Bereket Habte Selassie, author and humanitarian Greg Mortenson, and Mitsuye Yamada, poet and activist for Asian-American women.

Trustee Emerita, Linda Kotzen Paresky '64, '99HD connects with students (left to right) Gabrielle A. Rossetti '11, Anne Rothweiler '10, Carla D. Otero '10, and Jessica Ham '11
Trustee Emerita, Linda Kotzen Paresky '64, '99HD connects with students (left to right) Gabrielle A. Rossetti '11, Anne Rothweiler '10, Carla D. Otero '10, and Jessica Ham '11

During the celebration, honorary degree recipients spoke about their respective careers and accomplishments. President Helen G. Drinan '75LS, '78SM updated guests on College news including highlights from the undergraduate and graduate programs, capital projects, finances, and the strategic plan. She also recognized lifetime donors who have made gifts to the College of $500,000 and above. The evening's program concluded with remarks from Gwen Ifill '77, '93HD, the undergraduate commencement speaker and the 2009 Lifetime Alumnae Achievement Award recipient.

It was a wonderful celebration for leadership donors, honorees, and guests alike.

Lisa Krassner '98SM (left), Joan Tomaceski '91SM, President Helen G. Drinan '75LS, '78SM, Anne B. Denna '05SM, '07EE, and Bobbie S. O'Hare '02SM
  Lisa Krassner '98SM (left), Joan Tomaceski '91SM, President Helen G. Drinan '75LS, '78SM, Anne B. Denna '05SM, '07EE, and Bobbie S. O'Hare '02SM

Undergraduate Commencement speaker Gwen Ifill '77, '93HD and former Associate Dean of the College at Simmons, Professor Emerita Elizabeth B. Rawlins '67GS, '03HD
Undergraduate Commencement speaker Gwen Ifill '77, '93HD and former Associate Dean of the College at Simmons, Professor Emerita Elizabeth B. Rawlins '67GS, '03HD 
 
 
Jeni Yamada, Professor Mary Jane Treacy, Mitsuye Yamada '09HD, Harriet L. Elam-Thomas '63,'00HD, and Joseph Yasutake
Jeni Yamada, Professor Mary Jane Treacy, Mitsuye Yamada '09HD, Harriet L. Elam-Thomas '63,'00HD, and Joseph Yasutake

 

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