David and Linda Simons
Co-Chairs Class of 2007

by Cathy England

David and Linda are executives in the media and entertainment industry. David has produced programming for Fox Television, Walt Disney's international television production company, Buena Vista Productions International, and Dreamworks Television Animation Studio. David and Linda now have their own company in Los Angeles, which develops and produces content for traditional broadcasting and adapts the tools of new technology and media to serve the ever-expanding bandwidth available to viewers. Linda comes to the entertainment industry with a background as a photographer and writer.

The Simons lived in London for 9 years when David ran Buena Visa Productions International. They still return to England to visit their converted barn in the Cotswolds. Michelle has spent a lot of time in France and is fluent in French. David and Linda are passionate about "continuing the effort to improve our country through pro-active political involvement. "They love a wide variety of musical styles. Michelle is a flutist and the librarian in the Clark Jazz band. She also is a school tour guide and a writing assistant in the French department.

Michelle, who is a junior with a double major in English and French Lit. and a minor in Philosophy, chose Clark because of its size and faculty. From the beginning she was impressed with the attention she received to her application and to her visit at the accepted student day. Linda says, "She made the rounds of the department heads stationed at the tables in record time, she didn't hang back with us as she had done at the other schools. The faculty was accommodating and offered every assistance to our questions and concerns, and gave their email address for further contact."

"... as time has gone by, the faculty seem to be taking even a deeper interest in Shell (Michelle). Clark expresses interest in each individual, never categorizes, encourages freedom of thought and respects personal direction. This philosophy and Clark's astonishing history of accomplishments empowers the students to expand their ideas into action to change the world. This is why we are so proud, and grateful to be part of the Clark community, and also why I have always been happy to offer my assistance to Clark in any way I can make a difference."

David adds, "We feel that we found a hidden gem, an institution of learning that encourages each student to think for themselves, take responsibility for their contribution to society and provide them with a true "liberal" arts education experience."

David and Linda have attended meetings in Los Angeles at the homes of Clark alumni, with visiting Clark administrators, and worked the Clark booth at the Beverly Hills high school college fair. When asked by Clark to be Co-chairs of the Parent Association, they enthusiastically agreed.

David explains their interest. "In spite of their children growing up, moving away and becoming active members of the Clark University student body, parents can still be involved in ensuring the well-being of their son or daughter by supporting the university both financially and in-kind by volunteering for such activities as a representative at their local high school college night, mentoring prospective applicants or through fund raising. Any time a parent volunteers they are not only assisting the university, but they are also continuing to positively support their child's educational and life expanding experience."