Jimmy Simmons

Jazz + Blues Fest

Muddy Magnolias

This year’s lineup for Jazz + Blues Festival may just be the most talented in the 11-year history of the event. Presented by the City of Beaumont and Kinsel Lincoln, the Jazz + Blues Festival will take place on Saturday, Jan. 28, at the historic Jefferson Theatre in downtown Beaumont. The festival is headlined by Muddy Magnolias, a powerful and soulful duo featuring Jessy Wilson and Kallie North. North is a Beaumont native and will be performing in Beaumont for the first time.

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AMSET Crystal Ball honors Beaumont sculptor, features first-class music

The Art Museum of Southeast Texas (AMSET) invites Southeast Texans to shine like precious jewels at its 27th anniversary gala, The Crystal Ball: A Night of Sparkling Entertainment.

This dazzling affair, set for 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, will be overflowing with cocktails, delectable dining, fabulous entertainment and many spectacular surprises.

The Crystal Ball will honor celebrated sculptor and supporter of the arts David Cargill.

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Lamar to confer more than 1,600 degrees May 18, with President James Simmons as keynote speaker

Dr. James "Jimmy" Simmons

(Lamar press release)

Lamar University is scheduled to confer a record 1,619 degrees at spring commencement Saturday, May 18, in the Montagne Center. President James Simmons will be the keynote speaker.

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LU staff honors Simmons with Distinguished President Award

President Jimmy Simmons is presented with the Distinguished President Award

The Lamar University Staff Advisory Council has honored President James "Jimmy" Simmons with the “Distinguished President Award,” citing his inspiration and dedication during one of the brightest periods in Lamar’s history. 

Diann Brodnax, president of the Staff Advisory Council, surprised Simmons with a special tribute and the presentation of a plaque at the conclusion of Lamar’s annual staff awards ceremony Tuesday, April 16.

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Orchestra holds benefit concert for Dyess Scholarship

Night & Day Orchestra

The Night & Day Orchestra will hold a benefit concert for the Dr. Wayne Dyess Memorial Scholarship in Music on Thursday, May 2, at the Event Centre.Guests will enjoy a fun and elegant evening of dining and dancing accompanied by traditional big band favorites. Soloists Dr. Jimmy Simmons and Grammy-award winner Don Rollins will make guest appearances, and there will be a silent auction and other fun surprises.

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Legendary president was a musician first

While it’s true that Dr. James “Jimmy” Simmons made history by becoming Lamar’s first president emeritus, his true passion has always been music, according to those who know him best.

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Simmons becomes first LU president emertitus

Standing Ovation

Lamar University president Dr. James M. “Jimmy” Simmons has become the first president emeritus in Lamar history.

Chancellor Brian McCall made the announcement Saturday night, March 2, during halftime of the Cardinals’ basketball game at “A Standing Ovation for Jimmy and Susan Simmons” in the Montagne Center.

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City unveils signs renaming street to honor Lamar president

Mayor Becky Ames with Susan and Jimmy Simmons

Jimmy Simmons Boulevard officially became part of the Lamar University landscape Friday, March 1, 2013, with the unveiling of street signs and a tribute to Simmons and his wife, Susan, in the historic McDonald Gym.

The Pep Band and national-champion Cheerleading Team added Cardinal Spirit to the occasion, while two rows of Simmons children and grandchildren – including three new grandchildren in strollers – brought proud introductions from the stage. 

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Committee formed to search for Simmons' replacement

The Texas State University System announced Tuesday, Sept. 11, the advisory search committee that will guide the process of selecting the next president of Lamar University. Lamar's President Simmons has announced that, after a 14-year tenure, he will officially step down Jan. 31, 2013.

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