Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2023
Bertrand "Bert" Simmons
As a child growing and coming of age in rural Nacogdoches, Texas, for Bertrand “Bert” Simmons, Texas Southern University alumnus (class of 1975), the importance of philanthropy and giving back from his parents.
“Both my parents attended HBCUs and made it clear that giving back was an obligation and merely a part of their own pathway to continued success,” said Simmons, a successful proprietor of Bertrand Simmons State Farm Insurance Agency in Pearland, Texas.
Simmons’ mother and father attended Prairie View A&M University and Texas College respectively. He witnessed the urgency they each gave to giving back to their alma maters. According to Simmons, “Contributing to the welfare of our educational institutions is like the obligation of tithing in church. It is simply an expectation.
“I recognize the need for and importance of supporting the mission of TSU and the financial needs of many of our students. I know my donations will pave the way toward success of a student whose dream of a college education does not necessarily need to be deferred. “My heart’s desire is that students who realize the dream of a college education through my contributions, will pay it forward when they become financially stable.”
Simmons recalls how TSU prepared him for what has become a successful career and lifestyle after operating his own insurance agency.
“My instructors were not only there for me in the classroom, but they also became my mentors and friends in life,” he said. “I proudly give to TSU in any way I can to support its mission of advancing the culture through education.”
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