Photographs by Jodi Hilton capture the essence of Radcliffe medalist Ruth J. Simmons, praised by Michelle Obama, Drew Faust, and Tomiko Brown-Nagin for her trailblazing career. Samantha Laine Perfas, a Harvard staff writer, highlights this as part of Harvard’s 375th Commencement series. Following the release of her memoir, “Up Home: One Girl\u2019s Journey,” Simmons received a proposal from a cousin to reunite their racially split family, an idea her siblings opposed. Despite their refusal, Simmons sees this as a necessary step toward healing societal divisions.<\/p>\n
“Many I know carried their anger to the grave and passed it on,” Simmons stated on Radcliffe Day, referring to racial injustice. “I refuse to do that. What kind of nation will we be if we cling to such bitterness? We must progress.” On Friday, the Harvard Radcliffe Institute honored Simmons with the 2026 Radcliffe Medal, recognizing her dedication to excellence. As president of three universities \u2014 Smith College, Brown University, and Prairie View A&M University \u2014 Simmons has profoundly influenced countless lives and educational generations.<\/p>\n
During Simmons\u2019 tenure at Prairie View A&M, students admired her leadership, calling her \u201cRuth the Truth.\u201d Harvard’s former president Drew Gilpin Faust, who conversed with Simmons at Radcliffe, praised her courage. In her memoir, Simmons describes growing up under Jim Crow laws. As a descendant of slaves and daughter of sharecroppers, she was raised in Texas amidst segregation. “The consensus was that if you were Black, you had no citizenship rights,” she recalled. Her parents taught her to navigate a world of racial discrimination, yet she realized these lessons enforced a sense of inferiority.<\/p>\n
“My parents taught subservience, but I didn\u2019t quite learn it,” she quipped, drawing laughter. Radcliffe Dean Tomiko Brown-Nagin awarded Simmons her medal, while Drew Gilpin Faust applauded. Michelle Obama, via video, lauded Simmons\u2019 daring career choices. Faust was surprised by Simmons\u2019 decision to return to Texas, recalling her upbringing there. Simmons shared that she longed to be part of the community and recently received an invitation to be interred at the Texas State Cemetery, which she found honoring.<\/p>\n
Dean Brown-Nagin commended Simmons for her relentless pursuit of justice in education. “She has tirelessly advocated for education\u2019s role in empowering individuals and society,” Brown-Nagin stated, quoting Simmons on how education can equalize opportunities. Michelle Obama acknowledged Simmons’ challenging journey, emphasizing that Simmons is the type of leader needed today. Simmons discussed current societal challenges, including attacks on higher education and efforts toward inclusivity. She noted the complexity of balancing inclusion for all groups and recognized past mistakes in these efforts.<\/p>\n
The Radcliffe Medal, first awarded to Lena Horne in 1987, has been presented to notable figures like Jodie Foster and Sonia Sotomayor. Brown-Nagin, during the award ceremony, described Simmons as a visionary who embodies the transformative power of education. “She reimagines possibilities and possesses the courage and tenacity to achieve what is necessary,” she remarked. Simmons sees the ongoing narrative as complex, focusing on inclusion and unity.<\/p>\n