simmons family gives back
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Florence (1 and 2), Louis (3), and Evelyn (4). Supplied photos
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immons is a well-known name in Charlottetown today because of the Simmons Sports Centre, a popular recreation facility and surrounding soccer fields on North River Road. These were established when the Simmons family donated a portion of their farmland to the city. The family also donated land on Kirkwood Drive to Spring Park United church. In making these gifts, they ensured that their property would continue to be enjoyed by the community as green space long after they ceased farming. At UPEI, the Simmons family’s vision and generosity are making a positive impact on students all across the UPEI campus through a range of significant donations made by Louis and Florence Simmons and their sister, Evelyn (Simmons) Matheson. Louis Simmons graduated from Prince of Wales College (PWC), and later earned a BSc from Acadia and an MA from the University of Western Ontario. He spent most of his career running his family’s carbonated beverage business which was established in the late 1800s by his grandfather, George H. Simmons. When Louis passed away in December 1996 at the age of 91, he bequeathed a percentage of his estate to UPEI—more than $185,000—to support priority areas in need of assistance. The UPEI Board of Governors created an endowed fund in his name, and the principal was invested in a pooled endowment. Today, his gift continues to financially support initiatives of UPEI.
Evelyn (Simmons) Matheson, better known as Patty, graduated from PWC in 1933 and spent much of her teaching career at Parkdale Elementary School. She married Robert Matheson of Clyde River. When Mrs. Matheson passed away in March 2011, at the age of 98, the then president of UPEI received a telephone call that will have an ongoing impact on student success. He was advised that she had bequeathed one-third of the residue of her estate to UPEI for general university purposes, and an additional $450,000 to support four significant scholarships in honour of her family. In all, Mrs. Matheson’s bequest to UPEI is more than $1.3 million. Each individual fund will support up to $6,000 per year in scholarships for students in four areas of study—music, veterinary medicine, business, and applied human sciences (formerly family and nutritional sciences). Florence Simmons graduated from PWC in 1935. She studied business and decided to enter banking as a career. She worked for the Bank of Nova Scotia for more than 30 years, but her true passions were music and art. Florence played the organ in most Charlottetown churches and at MacLean’s Funeral Home. In recognition of her 30 years of service, the funeral home created The Florence Simmons Music Award at UPEI. It is granted annually to an organ student who has demonstrated a commitment to the advancement of the craft and artistry of organ-playing. Florence has made regular contributions to UPEI’s Annual Fund Campaign for more than two decades. Asked why she is such a loyal UPEI benefactor, she responds modestly in words that could well be her family’s motto—“I want to do what I can to help other people get an education.”«
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