Dr. Dennis Simon Civil Rights Pilgrimage at SMU

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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 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

Dr. Dennis Simon Civil Rights Pilgrimage - SMU Giving Day 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

2022 SMU Civil Rights Pilgrimage Reflections 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. 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

Your gift to Dr. Dennis Simon Civil Rights Pilgrimage during SMU's Giving Day will be matched dollar for dollar! TODAY is the day to double your impact. Copy and Paste LINK: "https://givingday.smu.edu/campaigns/dr-dennis-m-simon-civil-rights-pilgrimage-4 #/"

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

Calling all Pilgrims!! Join us with special guests Joanne Bland, NFL Player and Former Pilgrim Kelvin Beachum and the family of Dr. Dennis Simon! NOTE: This is a VIRTUAL event @ 6pm CT, April 8

SAVE THE DATE:
April 8, 6pm
Pilgrim Reunion with special guest JoAnne Bland
Zoom Info: Below