Alumnae/i, Family and Friends Weekend 2023

Check-in

1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Main Campus Building, Common Grounds

Welcome to Simmons' Alumnae/i, Family, and Friends Weekend! Check in here to pick up your name badge, Simmons swag, and other event information.

Trustman Gallery Tours

1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Main Campus Building, Trustman Gallery

Join Trustman Art Gallery staff for tours of our current exhibition! Trustman Art Gallery welcomes GlitchKraft, a group of artists specializing in digital glitch art. Often repurposing AI imagery, technological artifacts, and photography, the resulting works are experimental and colorful. Tours will run from 1:00 - 4:30 PM on Friday, October 13. Check out the gallery website for weekly hours and more on the exhibition will be posted there soon.

Campus Tours

2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
(tour start times: 2:00 and 3:30 PM)
Departs from Main Campus Building, University Center

Join a Campus Ambassador for a 90-minute tour of Simmons. On this tour, you will have a chance to visit the residence campus, and see recent renovations on the academic campus, including the new Science Center and Library.

Muddy River Clean Up 

3:00 PM - 4:30 PM           
Meeting Point: Muddy River across from Simmons University (300 Fenway)

- NEW ADDITION TO SCHEDULE -

We will clean up the parks and shorelines adjacent to the Muddy River near Simmons campus! Our partners, the Muddy Water Initiative, will lead volunteers along the river to collect any and all trash, all of which has a high likelihood of ending up in the river due to its proximity to the river. Please wear closed-toed shoes with good grip, clothes you don't mind getting dirty, and bring plenty of water. Participants should pre-register.  
 

SLIS Annual Alumnae/i Award Reception 

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Lefavour Hall, 2nd Floor, The Archives Room in Beatley Library

- NEW ADDITION TO SCHEDULE -

Join the Simmons University School of Library and Information Science and it’s Alumnae/i Board in honoring the recent recipient of The SLIS Annual Alumnae/i Achievement Award, Dr. Tamar Evangelestia-Dougherty ‘03MS, ‘23HD. Dr. Evangelestia-Dougherty is the inaugural director of the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives and recent speaker at Simmons Graduate Commencement Ceremony.

Enjoy a brief program and reconnecting with fellow alumnae/i and faculty. Refreshments will be served.

Shabbat Service and Social Hour

6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Location TBD

Simmons Hillel invites all friends, family, and alumnae/i to join Hillel for Shabbat dinner at 6:00pm! We can't wait to meet friends and family of current Hillel students and to reconnect with our Simmons Hillel alumnae/i community as well.

Take Me To Fenway Park Tour

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Fenway Park

Stroll from Simmons to the home of the Boston Red Sox, the famous Fenway Park. Visit the Green Monster and revel in this historic ballpark, originally built in 1912.

Weekend Welcome Reception

5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Main Campus Building, University Center

Come join fellow community members for a casual welcome reception, featuring food, drink, and laughter. This event is being co-hosted by the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee of the Undergraduate Alumnae/i Association and in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Boston Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley Tour

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Off Campus

Just as their website says... Guided by a ghoulish band of the undead and a roguish gravedigger, the Trolley of Terror will go back in time as you relive grisly murders, heinous torcherings and cold-blooded executions like the ones that took place on the Boston Commons. Learn about the paranormal hi-jinks going down at the Omni Parker House, the legend of the Boston Strangler and visit King's Chapel cemetery where the bones of the dead served as currency for a man named Ephraim Littlefield. Transportation to/from campus will be provided.

This event is open to students and their families.

Outdoor Movie Night and Discussion featuring Barbie

7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Residence Quad

Come on, Barbie... Let's Go Party! Join us for a family movie night showing Barbie on the Residence Quad, preceded by a discussion featuring Dr. Suzanne Leonard, Professor of Literature and Writing, Director of the Graduate Program in Gender and Cultural Studies, and co-coordinator of the university's interdisciplinary minor in Cinema and Media Studies among others. Your favorite movie concessions will be offered. Dressing to theme is encouraged, yet optional.

Check-in

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Main Campus Building, Common Grounds

If you didn't check-in on Friday, swing by to grab a program, swag, and other weekend information.

Continental Breakfast

8:30 AM
Main Campus Building, University Center

A continental breakfast will be offered to build you up for the day ahead.

State of the University and Q+A

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Main Campus Building, A-152

Hear President Wooten and members of the University Leadership team share important updates, exciting news, and highlights for the future in an interview format.

Alumnae/i Association Executive Board Meeting

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Main Campus Building, A-152 

You are invited to attend a working meeting of the Undergraduate Alumnae/i Association Executive Board open to all AFF weekend attendees. President Karen Young-Thomas '77 and the Board's committee directors will share updates and present opportunities for you to get involved in activities for the year ahead. This meeting will also be offered virtually.

FIT At Simmons: Dance with Sarah Marrow

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Holmes Sports Center

This class will start off with a light stretch followed by some abs/leg workouts. Next, skills will be worked on- across the floor, technique, stationary leg holds, etc. The last 25 minutes of class, Sarah will bring you through a combination that she created. This class is meant to help students express themselves in ways they normally don’t. A jazz number will be more upbeat sassy, and add some flavor, while a contemporary will be more dramatic and allow students to get into their feelings.

This is part of the Fit at Simmons program. Fit at Simmons provides free group fitness classes to Simmons students, thanks to a generous gift from Nancy Gavrin '58! With a focus on physical and mental well-being, instructors provide a variety of classes to provide a holistic approach to fitness.

Library Discussion on "Banned Books and Challenged Ideas"

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Beatley Library

Let's celebrate the freedom of reading and share in the value of free and open access to information as our renowned School of Library and Information Sciences, The Simmons University Library and the Department of Children’s Literature host a discussion on "banned books and challenged ideas" in America. This is a family-friendly activity.

Milk and cookies will be provided.

Campus Tours

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
(tour start times: 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM)
Departs from Main Campus Building, University Center

Join a Campus Ambassador for a 90-minute tour of Simmons. On this tour, you will have a chance to visit the residence campus, and see recent renovations on the academic campus, including the new Science Center and Library.

Field Hockey Home Game

11:00 AM
Daly Field (Off Campus), 10 Nonantum Rd, Brighton, MA

Watch Simmons Field Hockey take on Regis. Transportation is self-provided; limited street parking only is available.

Simmons on the Rise

11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Main Campus Building, Linda K. Paresky Conference Center

The final phase of our campus transformation will be the building of our new residential, athletics and dining facilities fondly referred to as the Living and Learning Center. Please join us as we celebrate the impact this new space will have in strengthening our community and enhancing the Simmons experience for our students.

Note: This session was formerly called "Groundbreaking Ceremony."

Watch Video

Lunch: A Food Truck Frenzy

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Academic Quad

It's to no surprise that Sharks are following the food truck frenzy. Get your fix here for this picnic style lunch.

Building Our Future Conversations:

1:00 PM - 2:15 PM

Dive into one of these four opportunities to have an open dialogue with faculty, staff, alumnaei/i, parents and students. Attendees will exchange perspectives, experiences and expertise.

Building Our Future Conversation # 1 - Rebuilding Alumnae/i Engagement
Palace Road Building, B-406 & Virtual
How can we make the Simmons Alumnae/i Network among the best in the world! We need your teamwork to make that happen. Let's rebuild the alumnae/i engagement program that meets today's diverse alumnae/i needs and ever changing student experience.

Building Our Future Conversation # 2 - Creating Community in the Living and Learning Center
Palace Road, B-113 & Virtual
How did dorm life shape who you are today and the difference you make in the world? What residence campus traditions do we need to continue when this new building opens? How can we create community and belonging in the LLC? Join this workshop to discuss these questions and more that will help us build our future in the LLC.

Building Our Future Conversation # 3 - Sciences @ Simmons
Management & Academic Building, C-220 & Virtual
As scientific literacy is critical for all of us at this pivotal time in our history, what are the curricular advantages of STEM at Simmons for all of our students? How do you want to engage with Simmons' science programs, students, and faculty? Let's brainstorm how we can partner to prepare our students to be successful in their chosen fields and to help open doors of opportunity for them.

Building Our Future Conversation # 4 - Expanding Access to Education through Philanthropy
Management & Academic Building, C205 & Virtual
Come share your stories of how scholarships enabled you or your daughters to become the next generation of Simmons women to graduate, prepared to lead meaningful lives and careers and to pursue their individual passions. Tell us how your philanthropy positively impacted Simmons students in these and other ways. Let's discuss the importance of participation and, together, brainstorm philanthropic ways we can build a future that shows the world works better when Simmons leads.

Duck Tours

1:00 PM - 2:15 PM
Off Campus

Traverse both land and water for breathtaking views of Boston and learn about historical landmarks that make Boston special (Duck Boat is accessible). Departs from Prudential Center (53 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA) for 80 minutes. Check-in when you arrive using the group name "Simmons University." - Transportation is NOT provided. If driving, please park at the Prudential Center Parking Garage; your parking ticket will be validated (find more parking information here). Please arrive 30 minutes before departure time. Tours depart rain or shine.

Soccer Home Game

1:00 PM
Daly Field (Off Campus), 10 Nonantum Rd, Brighton, MA

Come watch Simmons Soccer team take on Anna Maria. Transportation is self-provided; limited street parking only is available.

Cross Country

1:30 PM
Franklin Park (Off Campus), 1 Franklin Park Rd, Boston, MA 02121

Watch as Simmons Cross Country competes in the Suffolk Invitational at Franklin Park.

Blue Man Group

2:00 PM
Charles Playhouse

The Simmons experience can rock your world, blow your mind, and unleash your spirit. If you agree, then you will not want to miss the music, laughter, and surprise of this multi-sensory performance by the Blue Man Group.

This event is open to parents & students.

Alumnae/i Town Meeting: Building Our Academic Future

3:00 - 4:00 PM
Main Campus Building, A-152 & Virtual

- NEW ADDITION TO SCHEDULE -

Simmons' just-announced academic plan extends our long, proud commitment to innovation, being built for now, and ensuring that our graduates are prepared to thrive and lead in their 21st century careers and communities. Come share your ideas and questions - and gain insights into new academic features like the Simmons Edge and completing an affordable graduate degree in just one year. 

Cooking Class with Chef Rhiannon

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Nutrition Lab, Lefavour Hall, E-355

Put on your apron and join Simmons Chef Rhiannon as we create delicious delights in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Chef Rhiannon will guide you as we make pupusa, a thick griddlecake or flatbread from El Salvador and Honduras, made with cornmeal or rice flour, similar to the Colombian and Venezuelan arepa.

Build Your Own Terrarium

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Residence Campus, Smith Hall, Quadside Lounge

Whether you have a green thumb or not, dig in for this hands on tutorial and wellness activity of building your own take-home terrarium that is alive and will thrive just like your Simmons roots.

This event is open to parents & students.

Isabella Stewart Gardner: Building a Musical Boston

2:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Main Campus Building (A-455) and Isabella Stewart Gardner

Let's learn inside and outside of the classroom about one of Simmons' infamous neighbors, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Professor of Music, Dr. Gregory Slowik, will provide you with an accelerated educational experience referencing his Boston course entitled, "Isabella Stewart Gardner and the Building of a Culture Palace." This course explores Gardner as a patron of music and is part of Simmons' core curriculum called PLAN (Purpose - Leadership - ActioN). After the hour-long classroom experience, head on over to the Isabella Gardner Museum (Note that the Museum does not do group tours on the weekends. It closes at 5:00 PM so you may not have time to see the whole Museum which typically takes two hours.)

Leadership Innovation Hub Presentation and Workshop

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Lefavour Hall, Kotzen Room

Join Nakeisha Cody, Associate Vice President and Dean of Academic Student Success for a discussion on the Leadership Innovation Hub, a transformative educational model with the goal to prepare every student for leadership at Simmons and throughout life. This workshop will provide alumni with the opportunity to share their leadership journey at Simmons and beyond, and contribute valuable insight into the development of this exciting new initiative.

A Murder Mystery Dinner

6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Management & Academic Building, C-520/521

A classic who dunnit interactive entertainment with a Simmons spin that will knock your socks off and leave you craving more! Attend the Simmons Billionaires' Club Annual Masquerade Ball and help get this soiree back on track by trading clues with your guests, gathering information, and solving the crime before the masked menace gets away! Bring your appetites and investigator caps.

Reunion Class Dinners/Receptions

If your class didn't have an in-person reunion celebration in the past few years, here is an opportunity for class volunteers to self-organize a class gathering. Let us know if you are interested in attending, and if one is in the works, we'll be sure to pass it onto your class volunteers who will follow up with a separate registration. If you are interested in volunteering, please email [email protected].

These events are for Simmons alumnae/i and their guests.

Class of 2003 20th Reunion Celebration
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Thornton’s Fenway Grille - 100 Peterborough Street Boston, MA 02215

- NEW ADDITION TO SCHEDULE -

It's hard to believe that it has been 20 years since your Simmons Graduation! Please come join your classmates in celebration for dinner, drinks, and an evening of stories new and old.

Please R.S.V.P. by October 6 so we have a seat for you at the table. Attendees will be responsible for their own checks. We are looking forward to seeing everyone! This event is being hosted by your class reunion committee.

Class of 1967 60th Anniversary Dinner
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Home of Jennifer Kane Coplon ‘67 (address to be disclosed upon registration)

- NEW ADDITION TO SCHEDULE -

Join your class officers and classmate Jennifer Kane Coplon as she welcomes you into her home in Boston’s South End for a celebration acknowledging the class’ 60th anniversary. After a day at 300 The Fenway (Simmons), gather for a special cocktail/mocktail (designed by classmate Lynne Devnew) and appetizers, followed by a chef-prepared dinner. To register for you and a guest, please email lynne.devnew@gm​ail.com by October 6 for the $50/person dinner. Directions and more specific details will be shared upon registration.

Back to Bartol Brunch

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Bartol Hall

Who can resist a Bartol Belgium waffle as the smell strums your senses of nostalgia? First time to campus? Create new memories. Come back to Bartol for brunch to fuel you down memory lane and before you leave campus.