Dr. Dennis Simon Civil Rights Pilgrimage at SMU

Dr. Dennis Simon Civil Rights Pilgrimage at SMU A week long travel experience designed to teach the historic lessons and contemporary implications of the American Civil Rights Movement.

The CRP Team would like to welcome you to the CRP Fan Page. The Pilgrimage consists of students from Political Science 4321 (class participation by approval) and other students, staff and community members. Guided by Pilgrimage Leader Ray Jordan, Student Leaders Jackie Lowrey and Melissa Maguire, and Political Science Professor Dennis Simon, participants will enter the pilgrimage and gain knowledg

e about a part of history which in many cases preceded them, but has continued to shape their horizons and futures. For more information, please check out the CRP website for the trip itinerary, application, and class information. Trip Leaders:

Dr. Dennis Simon

Ray Jordan

Jackie Lowrey

Melissa Maguire

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02/20/2026

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Official Statement from the Family of Ms. Joanne Bland

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Ms. Joanne Bland announces her passing. Ms. Bland departed this life surrounded by love, leaving behind a legacy of strength, grace, and unwavering dedication to her family and community.

Ms. Bland was a woman of remarkable character whose presence touched countless lives. Her kindness, wisdom, and enduring spirit will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her. She was a pillar of faith, resilience, and compassion, and her impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.

During this difficult time, the family respectfully asks for privacy as they grieve and make arrangements to celebrate her life. Details regarding memorial services and funeral arrangements will be shared at a later date.

The family extends their sincere gratitude for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support from friends, colleagues, and the community.

With heartfelt appreciation,
The Family of Ms. Joanne Bland

TODAY is the day! SMU Giving Day! Support the Dr. Dennis Simon Civil Rights Pilgrimage by clicking the link below! If ...
03/07/2023

TODAY is the day! SMU Giving Day!

Support the Dr. Dennis Simon Civil Rights Pilgrimage by clicking the link below! If you are on campus, you can make your gift on Dallas Hall Lawn between 12:15p and 1:00p AND contribute to the Peruna Power Up Challenge!

We look forward to making more CRP Memories on next week’s Pilgrimage. Follow SMU Office of the Chaplain and Religious Life to see old friends and new explorations.

With Gratitude and Hope,

Lisa Garvin
Chaplain and Minister to the University

Gifts made to support the Civil Rights Pilgrimage will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000. Thank you, Michael Lee, for your generous support! Click here to learn more. The Dr. Dennis Simon Civil Rights P...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WROcFR66zl4
03/07/2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WROcFR66zl4

Each spring, students, faculty, and staff from SMU journey together for an experiential learning tour centered on the American Civil Rights Movement.Check ou...

For the last 15 years I have led SMU's Civil Rights Pilgrimage (now named for my friend, colleague and co-conspirator Dr...
06/29/2022

For the last 15 years I have led SMU's Civil Rights Pilgrimage (now named for my friend, colleague and co-conspirator Dr. Dennis Simon). For 15 years I have thrown my entire heart into educating students, staff, faculty and community members the history and lessons of America's Civil Rights Movement. After 15 years of thousands of miles of bus travel, hotel stays, food stops, bathroom breaks, remote control Issues, bus malfunctions, student illnesses and the worst of them alll...FUNDRAISING, I have decided to retire from my role as the pilgrimage's director. While the Chaplain's Office has been incredibly gracious in attempting to get me to change my mind, I feel now is the right moment for the next big adventure (I promised Dennis I would lead the trip until at least 2018...I think I honored my promise).

I have loved (nearly) every moment of the experience, particuarly the memories I have with Dennis, my chidlren who got an opportuity to participate...and of course, all of the pilgrims!

FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART, I thank each pilgrim, each faculty member, each University Chaplain, Kelvin Beachum Jr. and each donor who made this experience possible. It has indeed been the highlight of my professional career. I leave the pilgrimage in excellent hands (thank you Chaplain Garvin!) and look forward to seeing the photos and hearing the stories from future pilgirms, years to come.

In the meantime, please remember the words of Elie Wiesel..."When you listen to a witness, you become a witness." Pilgrims, you have heard the witnesses of courage, faith, human dignity, common humanity and allyship. Now, go forth and change this world!

With much love and gratitude,
Ray

03/13/2022

After 2 years of pandemic cancellations, FINALLY, the 2022 send off (with Ms. Debbie Simon)!
03/13/2022

After 2 years of pandemic cancellations, FINALLY, the 2022 send off (with Ms. Debbie Simon)!

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