A moving tribute to Ruth Simmons

On May 2, Dr. Ruth J. Simmons became the first recipient of the Dr. Ruth J. Simmons Leadership in Public Education Award, created by The Holdsworth Center to honor her legacy as a groundbreaking leader, a powerful advocate for students and a committed supporter of public education.  

Following a moving video tribute, Simmons accepted the award at the May 2 Champions of Hope gala presented by Goldman Sachs Gives and H-E-B at the Corinthian in Houston.

The gala shined a spotlight on Texas education leaders like Simmons who are making a positive impact on students’ lives and futures, and raised support so that Holdsworth can grow its programs and reach more educators throughout Texas.  

Simmons is Holdsworth’s founding board chair and has guided it from a small nonprofit to a statewide organization that’s impacted 1,500 leaders in 75 districts. 

Her support for Holdsworth is rooted in the belief that with strong leaders, teachers and students thrive. And that leadership is not a skill people are born with – it can be taught.   

Going forward, the award will be given to a leader – like Simmons – who has made significant contributions to public education, who elevates the people around them and who models a spirit of service by stepping up to lead through times of great challenge.

“It is a privilege to shine a spotlight on leaders like Dr. Simmons, who has such an incredible legacy of lifting up others and championing young people,” said Dr. Lindsay Whorton, president of The Holdsworth Center. “Her life and career are an example to all of us. We hope this award will not only honor her legacy but also inspire the next generation of leaders to make a difference.”  

The event featured a keynote address by Dr. Robert M. Gates, former U.S. Secretary of Defense and chair of the Holdsworth board. Wallace Jefferson, former Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court and Holdsworth board member, served as emcee for the evening. 

Photo Gallery

Charles Butt, Chairman of H-E-B and founder of Holdsworth, served as honorary chair of the event along with co-chairs Dr. Robert & Becky Gates, Rob Kaplan & Ronel Golden, Wallace & Renee Knake Jefferson, Jim & Beverly Postl, Ann & Karl Stern and Memo & Tammy Treviño.  

Sponsors included Memorial Hermann Health System, The John & Florence Newman Foundation, Dorothy & Mickey Ables, Janet Clark, Hines, Regina Rogers, Allied Universal, Central Market, The Charles Butt Foundation, Bill & Barbara Easter, Bob & Annie Graham, Houston Methodist, Suzanne & Bob Nimocks, Raise Your Hand Texas, Rice University, L.E. & Virginia Simmons, Stella Artois, Catherine & Sam L. Susser/Susser Bank and Tokyo Gardens Catering.