LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION recognizing the exemplary public service of Dr.
Ruth Simmons, President of Brown University

WHEREAS, A great state is only as great as those individuals who perform
exemplary service on behalf of their community, whether through unique
achievement in professional life or other endeavors, or simply through a
lifetime of good citizenship; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to recognize
the exemplary public service of Dr. Ruth Simmons, President of Brown
University; and
WHEREAS, This leading educator has embodied America's promise through
her distinguished service to her community, Brown University, and the
State of New York; subsequently, she is being recognized by Harlem's
internationally acclaimed Schomburg Center for Research in Black
Culture; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Ruth Simmons is the youngest of 12 children born to an
East Texas farmer and his wife, who worked part-time as a maid; by
closely observing the hard work and dedication of her parents, she was
inspired to first improve her life through learning and by dedicating
her life to working to help others enhance their lives through educa-
tion; and
WHEREAS, Going from the segregated public schools of Houston, where
she excelled, to Dillard University, an historically African-American
institution, Dr. Ruth Simmons prepared herself by obtaining a post grad-
uate degree in Romance Languages and Literature from Harvard University;
and
WHEREAS, Embarking on her career, beginning as a French professor
before entering the field of academic administration, Dr. Ruth Simmons
served with distinction at the University of Southern California,
Princeton University, and Spelman College, the nation's most prestigious
historically black college for women; and
WHEREAS, Named president of Smith College, the country's largest
university for women, Dr. Ruth Simmons became the first African-American
to lead a Seven Sisters school; similarly in 2001, she was appointed
President of Brown University; she became the first African-American to
administer an Ivy League school and became the first female President of
Brown University; and
WHEREAS, Among the many initiatives of her affiliations, one of the
most significant occurred at Brown, where serving as President, Dr. Ruth
Simmons did research underscoring the university's intimate relation-
ship, paralleling our nation's history to African slavery; and
WHEREAS, Moreover, and of far greater value, Dr. Ruth Simmons identi-
fied and implemented a schedule of reparative, affirming actions, which
have proven to be a beneficial model for schools with a similar history;
and
WHEREAS, Beyond being a loving mother to her two biological children,
Dr. Ruth Simmons has become a true role model for so many who have been
touched by her compassionate concern and zeal for learning; she truly
believes that the value of knowledge is second only to the value of love
and empathy; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention
it is appropriate to publicly proclaim and commend those individuals for
the edification and emulation of others; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize the exemplary public service of Dr. Ruth Simmons, President of
Brown University; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dr. Ruth Simmons.