07/11/1991

Simmons Scholarship Established

AUBURN, Ala.—Establishment of the Charles F. Simmons Memorial-Agricultural Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship is certain to spur the memories of thousands of Auburn agricultural graduates and former students. Simmons, who served as associate dean of the School (now College) of Agriculture from 1951 until 1980, was a one-of-a-kind type of dean who made a lasting impression on students and faculty as he encouraged, disciplined, helped, pushed and sometimes even sympathized. As a result, most former students have vivid memories about Dean Simmons.

The record supports the generally held belief that Dr. Simmons had a profound influence on the education and character of the men and women who studied agriculture at Auburn during his tenure as associate dean. He received the Algernon Sidney Sullivan Award in 1977, was named Man of the Year in Service to Southern Agriculture by the Progressive Farmer magazine in 1969, and was installed in the Alabama Agricultural Hall of Honor in 1987--to name but a few recognitions of service.

Dean Emeritus R. Dennis Rouse, commenting about Simmons, said "He always placed students above any personal claim or reward. Many times I have invited Dr. Simmons to official luncheons during registration or preregistration. He always reminded me that he didn't leave students waiting. He'd come if and when he got the last student in line taken care of."

Simmon's association with Auburn dates back to his student days (B.S. 1932 and M.S. 1934). He joined the Auburn faculty in 1946 as head of the Department of Agronomy and Soils, and became associate dean of the School of Agriculture and assistant director of the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station in 1951. He retired in 1980 and died in 1990.

In addition to his interest in students and all aspects of the University's teaching, research and extension functions, Simmons was an avid sports fan. He served for many years as chairman of the University's athletic committee, where he zealously guarded the system used to assign points that determined priority seating of faculty for athletic events.

The endowed scholarship honoring Simmons was established by his daughter, Mrs. Hannah S. Pickworth, of Baltimore, Md. Alumni, students and friends of Simmons can contribute to this fund that will provide scholarships to deserving students. A minimum goal of $25,000 has been set, and the fund is near the halfway mark. Contributions, designated for the Ag Alumni-Charles F. Simmons Memorial Scholarship, should be sent to the Auburn University Foundation, 317 South College Street, Auburn, Alabama 36849.

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By:
Gene Stevenson