SOM Classroom Named for Dress Barn Founder Roslyn Jaffe '50

The Jaffe family chose to use their gift to name a "case room" for Roslyn in the new School of Management and Academic Building. It's one of two large, tiered learning spaces on the second floor and is designed specifically to complement the case method of teaching.

"My family is thrilled to be able to honor Roslyn by naming a premier learning space for her," said Elliot, "a space that we hope will help spark an entrepreneurial spirit like hers in generations of Simmons women."

Roslyn is also delighted with the gift. "I'm grateful to my family for honoring the important role Simmons has played in my life. The College launched me on a career path that I never could have imagined when I graduated in 1950 with a degree in retail management," she said. "My family and I are thrilled to know that this gift will help current and future Simmons students acquire the skills necessary to achieve their educational, career, and life goals."

Roslyn served as a trustee of the College from 1994 to 2005. The Jaffe's philanthropic support for Simmons includes a 2003 gift that established the Roslyn Solomon Jaffe Chair in Marketing Strategy at the School of Management (SOM), now held by Associate Professor Vipin Gupta.

Speaking of the Jaffe family's latest gift, SOM Dean Deborah Merrill-Sands said, "We are delighted to have such a prominent classroom named for Roslyn. Generations of undergraduates and graduate students will be inspired by her achievements both as a successful entrepreneur and a public-spirited citizen."

Roslyn and Elliot began their entrepreneurial adventures back in 1962 – and launched a new era in women's fashion in the process. She used $5,000 in savings to open a little place called the Dress Barn in Stamford, Connecticut. Her concept was a novel one at the time: sell designer clothes for women at discount prices, and provide outstanding customer service. It was a winning combination.

The Dress Barn venture was so successful that Elliot quit his job at Macy's, teamed up with Roslyn, and together they dreamed of someday having 10 stores. Fast forward to today: their publically traded company operates more than 1,600 Dress Barn and Maurices stores nationwide.

The scope of the Jaffe's business success has been matched by their generosity as volunteers and philanthropists. In addition to making significant financial gifts, the Jaffes have donated their time and expertise to a variety of causes and institutions.

Elliot notes that the Jaffes most recent gift to Simmons is part of a long-standing dedication to supporting education. For example, for the past 15 years, he has been a trustee of Teachers College, Columbia University, where the Jaffes funded a first-of-its-kind program to help former Peace Corps volunteers become teachers in New York City's public schools.