PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (May 28, 2021) – This month, Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) President Ruth J. Simmons virtually addressed Princeton and Harvard Universities’ Class of 2021. Simmons, who’s a two-time alumna of Harvard (where she earned both a master’s and doctorate), spoke to her alma mater’s class this week.
“Having led a women’s college, an Ivy League research university, and a historically Black university, [Ruth Simmons] has a unique perspective on how very different types of institutions contribute to the fabric of our nation,” Harvard President Larry Bacow said in a statement back in February. “She has also defended with great passion the possibility of improving our society by learning from our differences. I very much look forward to hearing her remarks later this year.”
On May 15, Simmons delivered her address during Princeton University’s 2021 Baccalaureate ceremony. While working at Princeton in the ‘80s and ‘90s, she served in various faculty and administrative roles, including associate dean of the faculty, the first director of studies at Butler College and acting director of the Program in African American Studies (now the Department of African American Studies). She was also is a former Princeton University trustee.
Simmons was selected to speak this year by Princeton’s Committee on Honorary Degrees, which includes university trustees, faculty members and students.
“Ruth Simmons is a visionary leader who has throughout her career demonstrated the commitments to education, civic engagement, and social responsibility that we hope our graduates will exemplify in their lives,” said Princeton University President Christopher L. Eisgruber. “She is also a wise and thoughtful counselor. I have benefited on many occasions from her insightful guidance, and I am confident that our students will do so as well.”
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