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2000 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient

Samuel J. Simmons

1949 Bachelor of Arts

A lifelong national advocate for minorities, the elderly and the low income, Mr. Simmons served as assistant secretary at HUD and provided leadership in the promulgation of the initial regulations implementing federal Fair Housing Laws. As president and CEO of the National Caucus and Center on Black Aged, he developed $20 million of housing for seniors and successfully lobbied Congress and federal agencies to expand and improve entitlements for the low income and minority elderly. A recipient of the prestigious Fleming Award, he was awarded an honorary degree by Western Michigan University in 1970.