A Simpson University Experience

Written by Mary Stephenson 10-13-2018

The request was that we attend the Inauguration Celebration for Dr. Norman Hall, the 15th President of Simpson University.

The following Lions showed up: Guy Piche, Doyle Fry, George Shelburne, Mike Robinson, Egon Harrasser, Gary and I.

Never been to anything quite like that before and got to admit it was an event I am glad to have attended. The speeches contained glimpses into the workings of the University. The personalities of those that spoke were inspiring. At times there was laughter, which made all the seriousness of the event pleasurable.

It was even nice to know that someone who was asked to make a speech for the “Investiture Ceremony” had to look up what was required. I didn’t know either.

There was singing and being a Christian school, God was honored throughout the ceremony.

Mission Statement: Simpson University is a Christ-centered learning community committed to developing each student in mind, faith and character for a lifetime of meaningful work and service in a constantly changing world.

Wonderful direction for young people to follow as they make their mark in the world. “Our leaders of tomorrow.”

I looked at the history with the little book they gave us at the door. W.W. Newberry founded Simpson University in 1921 at Seattle, Washington. Moved to San Francisco in 1955 and in 1989 it relocated to Redding. Their motto is “Gateway to World Service”.

Also in the book was the explanation of all the Academic Attire. It is massive and very detailed. There are 52 categories. Tassels and hoods match the colors that represent each. Example: Arts = white, Psychology = gold, Economics = copper, Medicine = green. Some do use the same color as others. But I guess if you were in the know, you could identify what branch of education they taught. The cap, the gown, and the hood have all distinctive markings, materials, and lengths. Interesting facts and the reasons of why they even had them and what they represented. Here is a link to the colors of what is standard. Click here.

Stayed to the end, but didn’t attend the reception, as there was just the two of us and somehow the “blue show” made us not seem so large anymore. Lots of important people attended and we felt that it was their party and not ours.

It was fun, and for growing up a small town girl, a reach into higher education practices was interesting. Never even had a cap and gown for my high-school graduation. Made my own lace covered white satin dress and the boys wore suits or sport jackets with ties.