$10 million new gift from John and Jayne Simmons renames law school and follows their $10.2 million gift to the university’s medical school
Southern Illinois University’s Simmons Law School now bears a new name and a refreshed appearance, thanks to a $10 million gift from John and Jayne Simmons. The donation, the largest ever received by SIU Carbondale, will enhance and expand educational opportunities for students and faculty. The new name was officially unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 16, marking a significant milestone in the university’s history.
John Simmons, a member of the SIU Board of Trustees and founder of the Simmons Hanly Conroy law firm, has a strong connection to SIU, attributing much of his personal and professional success to the university. This historic gift – the largest SIU Carbondale has ever received – further cements Simmons’ legacy at SIU, which includes a $10.2 million commitment to the Simmons Cancer Institute at the SIU School of Medicine in Springfield. His most recent contribution comes as another major step in the Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign, which has raised more than $340 million toward its $500 million goal.
The SIU Simmons Law School has a distinguished history, producing over 180 local, state, and federal judges and boasting alumni who practice law in 48 states and more than 10 countries.
The law school is also known for its legal clinics, which serve underrepresented communities and offer students valuable hands-on experience.
Simmons’ legacy at SIU is already well-established, including a previous $10.2 million commitment to the Simmons Cancer Institute at the SIU School of Medicine in Springfield. Their dedication to community improvement extends beyond the university, as they also founded AltonWorks, a social impact redevelopment company focused on revitalizing historic downtown Alton into a thriving, walkable community.
Simmons Hanly Conroy, one of the nation’s largest plaintiff’s law firms, has a longstanding relationship with SIU’s law school, offering internships and employing its graduates. The firm is nationally recognized for its work in mesothelioma litigation and its role in holding manufacturers and distributors accountable for the opioid epidemic. Under John Simmons’ leadership, the firm has grown significantly, now employing over 250 people across the country and donating millions to local charities and cancer research.
The Simmons family’s contributions to SIU and the broader community underscore their commitment to creating opportunities and improving lives in Southern Illinois and beyond.