THE UNIVERSITY of the Southern Caribbean in Trinidad will award an honorary degree to internationally renowned classical scholar Dr George C. Simmons, a 90-year-old Barbadian national, on May 13.
As a noted classicist, Simmons has held academic appointments at the Maceutus State University, University of Rochester, and the State University of New York at Cortland and Brockport.
His early education began in his homeland Barbados at St Lucy and Christ Church public schools, and then continued at the University of the Southern Caribbean (formerly Caribbean Union College), Trinidad.
He completed his Bachelor’s degree at Andrews University, Michigan, and his Master’s degree at Northwestern University. Continuing his climb up the academic ladder, he obtained a post graduate diploma in Philosophy of Education from St Andrews University, Scotland, in 1960.
Two years later, the Doctor of Education degree in history and philosophy of education was conferred on him by Harvard University.
His academic life spans more than 50 years and extends across the Caribbean, the United States, and Europe. He has lectured in Canada, Germany, Romania and Britain, and his prolific writings and book reviews have been published in scholarly peer-reviewed journals. He has served as editor of the Plato and Aristotle Special Edition of the journal Paideia.
In 2003-2004, he served as executive assistant to his wife, Dr Esther Simmons, while she was interim president of University of the Southern Caribbean.
Currently, Simmons is diligently at work on two books. One is a collection of his essays and addresses, and the other, in collaboration with his wife, is The History Of Bowie State University: 1865-2005.
His leadership and influence also extended into the medical field. He served for ten years (1990-2000) as a member of the New York State Board for Professional Medical Conduct. This board oversees the ethical and professional conduct of physicians in the state of New York.
He has chaired several committees, making decisions on complaints brought against physicians by individuals, institutions and the state.
The greatest legacy of Simmons to the world and to education is his establishment and funding of the George C. Simmons Book Collection at the University of the Southern Caribbean.
He has also established the George C. Simmons Book Collection Annual Lecture Series where since 2002, distinguished thought leaders in government, politics and education have been invited to deliver a public lecture in Trinidad.
Proficient in classical Greek, Latin and Spanish, an extensive world traveller, bibliophile, gardener, beloved teacher and lover of classical music, Simmons has been an inspiration and mentor to thousands of individuals throughout the Caribbean, the United States and the world.
Simmons has made invaluable contributions to the university, and on May 13, family, friends, former students, colleagues and the many admirers of his blessed and rewarding life will pay tribute to him for making us better people and our world a better place. (PR)
