Dr. Simons had a significant presence during a challenging time in the history of the University of Connecticut. He was one of the first generation of African American students to receive a doctorate from the Neag School. Often looked upon as a father figure, he was easily approachable and was seen by students and faculty as fair, compassionate, firm and professional. For his early efforts in multicultural education, the African American Cultural Center was named after him. Dr. Simons retired in 1989 but continued to be a role model for African American students. In 2007, he was presented the University of Connecticut’s Provost Pioneer Award for Diversity and, at its 40th Anniversary Gala, the Center for Academic Programs recognized Dr. Simons For Outstanding Commitment and Contribution to Access and Educational Opportunity.

Dr. Simons has left an outstanding legacy at UConn. He was responsible for restructuring the Day of Pride and established the first university full scholarship for minority students. He was also instrumental in starting a six week summer college preparatory program for minority students. His consensus-building leadership style helped the university with its emerging commitment to attract, retain and graduate minority students and with its strategic goal to expand racial and ethnic diversity.

Dr. Simons will be honored for his lifetime of service to the field of education and the university community at the Annual Awards Dinner of the Neag School of Education on May 17, 2008 at the Rome Ballroom on the Storrs campus. For more information on this event, contact Lynne Allen at the Alumni House, (888) UC-ALUM-1, (860) 486-2240 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .