Simmons' fundraising, empathy win over students
Tsvetina Kamenova
Issue date: 2/27/07 Section: Campus News
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Though most of the 30 students interviewed by The Herald were not familiar with all of Simmons' duties, they pointed to her genuinely welcoming demeanor and her success in fundraising as reasons for their approval of her presidency.
"She is an empathetic leader - she makes people feel empowered," said David Beckoff '08.
Many students said they felt some affinity to Simmons as a woman leader and a nurturing maternal figure.
"She is a power woman. She is setting the standards of having women presidents," said Vivian Ortiz '10.
"She reminds me of my grandma," said Hristo Atanasov '10. His sentiment was echoed by other students interviewed by The Herald.
"I think of her as a relative. I feel like if you do meet her, she will hug you and make you cookies," said Olga Usyk '09.
Others said they were impressed Simmons seems available on campus despite her travel engagements. "She retains a connection to the students (and) seems to genuinely care," said Henry Freedland '08.
As the University's public representative, Simmons has presented a positive image of Brown, students said.
"She is famous - you can see her on TV. I am proud she is known around the country," Atanasov said.
Simmons' personal journey from childhood in a poor, rural East Texas community to the Ivy League is well-known and regularly featured in media coverage of her career, but only a few students mentioned it as a major reason for their affection for the president.
"She represents the perfect American dream - she has a story which inspires people," said Alexandra Grassian '07.
Many first-years said they could not give a substantiated opinion of the president's job performance, but they share in the fascination with her public image and feel they could easily reach out to her if they needed to.