Building namesake John Simmons cut the ribbon Friday to recognize the $10 million gift he and his wife Jayne made to the Law School and to showcase the new signage on the building itself.
Simmons says the school's mission aligns with his personal and professional values.
"Each year the Simmons Law School transforms about 100 students into lawyers and into community leaders of tomorrow. (They are) empowered with the knowledge and skills to improve the lives of their clients and communities. Lawyers who help people through some of the toughest moments of their lives. We wanted this school to represent our family, the firm and everyone who seeks a legal education that is accessible, approachable, inclusive and committed to fostering justice. Even though I didn't attend law school here, my colleagues and I are absolutely committed to the good work that is done here day after day."
SIU-Carbondale Chancellor Austin Lane says the Simmons' generosity will allow students and faculty to continue to think big.
"To think about all of the things that you're going to get here in this building that's going to take you from southern Illinois to the world. This will allow you to do so. So, this commitment is extremely, extremely important for an institution like ours."
SIU President Dan Mahony says in his 40-year higher education career, something like is a rare, special occasion.
"Over those 40 years I have attended thousands of ceremonies. But, over those 40 years I've only attended two ceremonies where we were naming a school. So, this really is a very unique, unusual and significant moment for the Simmons Law School."
Simmons, a native and resident of Alton, is an SIU Edwardsville graduate, member of the SIU Board of Trustees, and chairperson and founder of Simmons Hanly Conroy law firm. The cancer institute at SIU School of Medicine also bears the Simmons name.
The $10 million dollar gift for the Law School is the largest gift in the history of SIU-Carbondale. The ribbon cutting coincided with the induction ceremony for the Law School's Class of 2027.
The law school is the alma mater of more than 180 local, state and federal judges. It has alumni practicing law in 48 states and more than 10 countries.
