By Suzy Alstrin
Reinhardt University awarded Nancy Gordy Simms an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters during its May 2nd commencement ceremony. The prestigious honor recognized her wide-ranging contributions to Georgia—as a businesswoman, entrepreneur, civic leader, and philanthropist—and her enduring devotion to Reinhardt’s campus, students, faculty, and staff.
Since 1985, Simms has consistently shared her business acumen and commitment to excellence as a dedicated member of the Reinhardt Board of Trustees. Her four decades of consecutive philanthropy have made numerous initiatives and scholarships possible. Additionally, she has served as a board member for the Metropolitan Atlanta Council of Alcohol & Drugs, Egleston Scottish Rite Foundation, The Buckhead Girls Club, Emory University Center for Ethics in Public Policy and the Professions, Emory University, Feed My Lambs, Inc., and Rotary Club of Atlanta. She has been honored by the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau as a member of the Hall of Fame, by the Buckhead Girls Club as their Woman of the Year in 2010, and by Day One Ministry with their Day One Faith Award for her commitment to her church and community.
Simms’ grandmother, Catherine Gordy, was a teacher at Reinhardt in 1920. Her parents, Evelyn “Mimi” Jackson and Frank Gordy (RU-1924) met on the Reinhardt Academy campus 101 years ago. Frank Gordy started the successful Varsity restaurant in Atlanta and was known for his work ethic, innovation, and generosity. Mimi was known for her reserved graciousness and pursuit of excellence. The couple held dear their love of Reinhardt. Their contributions to the institution, numbering in the millions, have left an indelible sense of campus pride.
In 1983, Simms assumed leadership of the family business, guiding it to even greater success. “She is the perfect combination of both her parents—as smart, wise, gracious, beautiful, and iron-willed as her mother and as hardworking, visionary, and high-achieving as her father while sharing both parents’ profound sense of magnanimity and dedication to Reinhardt,” stated President Mark Roberts during the ceremony.
Simms responded, “This is really a thrill to me to be here to celebrate the graduating class of 2025, it is so exciting, and to celebrate my honorary doctorate with you as well. I can’t help but think of all those that went before and what a blessing Reinhardt has been to so many people.
This honorary doctorate reflects Reinhardt University’s deep appreciation for Simms’ enduring service and support, which continue to positively impact both the university and communities throughout Georgia.
