Vartan Gregorian Comments on Retirement of Ruth Simmons, President of Brown University

Ruth Simmons, a former Trustee of Carnegie Corporation of New York, called me this morning to let me know that she would be retiring as President of Brown University. As I told her, we are deeply grateful for all she has done for the university, its students, faculty, alumni and all those in Providence, Rhode Island, as well as across the U.S. and around the world who have benefited from being part of the remarkable educational community that is Brown University. After all, Ruth Simmons has been an extraordinary president.  Through her efforts, the university has been able to construct new buildings that help to enrich teaching and learning.  She has been a dedicated fundraiser, enabling Brown to extend its reach and meet its aspirations. She recruited exceptional faculty. And she has been committed to advancements in the area of financial aid.  While noting these accomplishments is an occasion for great joy, there is sadness, as well, in realizing that soon Ruth Simmons will no longer be at the helm of Brown University.

I wish her great happiness in her future endeavors. Brown will miss her, but it will always be a stronger and more vibrant university because of her commitment to its legacy of excellent education and her vision for its limitless potential.

 --Vartan Gregorian

   President, Carnegie Corporation of New York

   Former President, Brown University, 1989-1997