Lamar University and the Beaumont Foundation of America have announced establishment of the Southeast Texas Legends-Dr. James M. Simmons Endowed Scholarship, designed to honor the Lamar president and strengthen educational opportunities for students.
Wayne Reaud, president of the foundation board of directors; Gilbert I. Low, a member of the board of directors; and W. Frank Newton, president and chief executive officer of the foundation, unveiled plans for the scholarship – and the $100,000 contribution that will make the endowment possible – at a news conference Monday (Jan. 22, 2007) in the University Reception Center of the Mary and John Gray Library.
“Today, we recognize a man who is a legend. He has blazed a trail across Southeast Texas, and he blazes a trail into the future through our youth,” Low said.
“You can look about your campus, and you can see many things that he has done. But the results are what he has done in the minds of youth. This scholarship will allow many students to realize their dreams, and maybe some of those students will, themselves, follow their leader, Dr. Simmons, in being a legend.”
The foundation’s gift will enable Lamar to award the scholarship to under-served individuals who attend Lamar.
“This scholarship will expand, enhance and strengthen opportunities for those students most in need of assistance,” Newton said. “We believe scholarships such as this are the backbone of how to achieve excellence and growth.
Lamar will award the scholarship beginning in fall 2007.
“It is a way to recognize this distinguished leader, to help Lamar University and to encourage individuals with the tenacity and the will to go to Lamarand, hopefully, become leaders who will give back to their communities in the future,” Newton said.
Camille Mouton, vice president for university advancement, stressed the importance of scholarships to Lamar students and noted criteria for the Legends-Simmons Scholarship will ensure it meets a substantial need.
“This scholarship will have an immense impact on deserving students,” Mouton said. “We are most appreciative that the Beaumont Foundation of America has chosen to foster academic excellence at Lamar through this substantial and extremely generous gift.
“It is fitting that the scholarship honor Dr. Simmons, who has done such a wonderful job in leading this university.”
The Beaumont Foundation of America – a non-profit corporation that Newton described as Reaud’s brain child – grew out of an historic $2.1 billion settlement of a nationwide class action suit to obtain relief for those who bought defective computers. “During the initial phase of the foundation’s life, its technology phase, the foundation was a national leader in helping close the digital divide,” he said, granting more than $63 million worth of equipment.
“Today, we institute a new phase in the life of the foundation. We are still focused on the under-served, but our mission has broadened beyond technology,” said Newton. “That broadened mission starts with a fundamental reality of our global economy – education is essential for a successful life.”
Since assuming the Lamar presidency in 1998, Simmons has led the university into a new era of dynamic growth. He increased enrollment, reshaped the campus and inspired excellence at all levels of the educational experience, Low said. “He has reinvented the university while inspiring its many constituent groups to re-engage and reinvest.”
Throughout his Lamar career, Simmons has been known for his accessibility to students.
“Lamar is his first love,” a colleague once said. “And he takes a personal interest in every student.”
Simmons is Lamar’s 10th president – and the first to be a native of Southeast Texas. He graduated from Beaumont High School and went on to earn his bachelor of science in music from Memphis State University, his master’s degree from the University of Houston and doctorate from McNeese State University.
His Lamar career began in 1970 when he joined the faculty as an instructor and director of the marching band. He rose through the ranks, serving as director of bands, chair of the Department of Music, dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication and interim director of university advancement before his appointment as president.
Simmons is well known as a musician – performing on clarinet, saxophone and piano – as well as an orchestra leader. Throughout his educational career, Simmons has attracted acclaim with groups ranging from his high school combo (Jimmy Simmons and the Corvettes), Jimmy Simmons Trio and other jazz ensembles to the Symphony of Southeast Texas. He led the Beaumont Big Band and Jimmy Simmons Orchestra, backing up such musical greats as Bob Hope, Cab Calloway and Frank Sinatra.
Among dozens of accolades, Simmons has been honored as King Neches and Citizen of the Year by the Neches River Festival and as Newsmaker of the Year by the Press Club of Southeast Texas. He and his wife, Susan, have a a daughter, twin sons, four granddaughters and a grandson.
“This is truly an honor for me, for my family, for the university, for Southeast Texas, for the state and, most of all, for the students,” Simmons said. “As I talk to students, their top priority is being able to receive financial assistance to help them achieve this wonderful, four-year education.
“I have spent my entire life in education, and I am so honored to have this scholarship in my name. I hope that in the coming years, many who become students will benefit from this wonderful gift.”
