Earlier this month, over a thousand women attended the sold out 14th Annual Women in Leadership & Philanthropy (WLP) Fall Symposium at the Hilton Tampa Downtown for a day filled with motivational sessions, networking, and an awards luncheon featuring national best-selling author, Jean Case, as the keynote speaker.
During the luncheon, WLP presented Linda Simmons BA ’75 with the 2019 Community Leadership Award. Awarded annually, the WLP Community Leadership Award showcases individual excellence in leadership as demonstrated by outstanding initiative, impact of work and inspiration to others. Notable past recipients of the award include the Honorable Pam Iorio ’01, Carol D. Morsani and Pamela Muma.
Linda Simmons and her husband, Randy.
“I’m so honored to be included among the ranks of the women who were introduced earlier. I encourage each of you to do your part to help this community better,” said Simmons.
Since graduating from USF in 1975, Simmons has been a donor to many areas of the university by establishing student scholarships and supporting women’s health, athletics, research, and WLP. She has also dedicated her time and leadership to USF by serving as a member of the USF Alumni Association board, member and chair of the USF Foundation board of directors, and helped establish and chair USF’s WLP.
In 2011, Simmons was honored with the USF Alumni Association’s Donald A. Gifford Service Award, which recognizes individuals who have provided unparalleled volunteer leadership and service to the university.
Doretha Edgecomb, a lifelong educator and 1973 graduate of USF, was also recognized and awarded with the 2019 WLP Lifetime Achievement Award at the luncheon.
“We are honored to recognize two remarkable women who, through their significant leadership, have contributed to USF and in the process have changed the face of the Tampa Bay region,” LaGretta Lenker, PhD ’92.