The Growth Years, 1920-1939

Student selling pencils for the Endowment Campaign, Pencil Day, October 1921.

By 1920, it was evident that Simmons had successful combined programs centered on intellectual achievement and technical proficiency. This success created a need to expand the institution’s capacities, an endeavor that opened avenues for a larger community of women to gain an independent livelihood. 

Faculty salaries, maintenance, and additional classroom space were especially necessary. The First Endowment Campaign began in 1920 and concluded in 1924, raising more than $1 million. The Campaign was a campus-wide effort, from students selling pencils on street corners (their coordinated efforts raised $4,500 in one October afternoon!) to alumnae opening the Simmons Salvage Shop at 79 Newbury Street selling used merchandise. Sandwiches and soda were also sold from a lunch wagon in Post Office Square as a part of the Campaign. 

From this revenue, the College was able to expand course offerings, repair facilities, and expand the Residence Campus. Two brick dormitories, a dining hall, and nine small residence houses were all built as a result of the Endowment Campaign. Notably, Evans Hall housed 72 upperclassmen and was ultimately central to Simmons's evolution from a commuter school to a residential college.

There was also significant growth in the Simmons community: the student body had grown from 146 students and 28 faculty to 1,577 students and 147 faculty by 1933. 

President Henry Lefavour and Dean Sarah Louise Arnold (who retired in 1919)  reconceptualized the College from four major areas of study to programs into nine schools: Household Economics, Secretarial Studies, Library Science, General Science, Social Work, Physical Education, Prince School of Store Service Education, Public Health Nursing, and Landscape Architecture.

For the 1932-1933 academic year, annual tuition was $250 and room and board totalled $500.

Just as students were academically involved, they also continued to celebrate traditions and participate in clubs and sports. Mascots were a particularly popular way of showing school spirit, as each class chose a mascot that represented their time at Simmons. For more information, visit the exhibit Mascots@Simmons.