Brad Simmons ’75, Honored for his Lifetime of Servant Leadership

September 13, 2022

Please click below for the video highlight.

On Wednesday, August 17, 2022 Brother Rice High School proudly gathered with many of Brad’s friends in the community and those impacted by his mentorship over the years to honor his Lifetime of Servant Leadership and the dedication of Brad Simmons ’75 Alumni Hall. We hope you will take a moment to experience this special evening by watching the brief highlight above.

A life of faith and service, selflessness and humility, leadership and loyalty, wisdom and witness only begin to describe the characteristics and the character of the man. In role and responsibility, time and commitment, devotion and dedication, Brad Simmons’ legacy of service to the mission of his alma mater is singular among the generations of graduates of Brother Rice High School.

Graced by an innate quality to see goodness in all, Brad’s life story has drawn people from all quarters of life to him and his example of Christian service. Years have turned into five decades of selfless, distinctive, and impactful leadership since Brad first stepped foot on the campus of Brother Rice High School. No one could have anticipated in the fall of 1971 the life he would go on to lead.

Institutions, otherwise ordinary, become “extraordinary” by virtue of those who inspire in others to see beyond the horizon not of what is, but what could be. This is the history of Brother Rice High School – a history in which at every definitive moment these past five decades Brad Simmons has been front and center, in the arena, insightfully challenging all by his discerning wisdom and vivid example as to what is central to the moment and mission at hand. From class leader to volunteer extraordinaire, from student mentor to community ambassador, from President of the Alumni Association to Chairman of the Board of Directors to representing the Christian Brothers as a Guardian of the Mission, Brad Simmons has selflessly been both confidant and advocate, facilitator and decision maker at the most substantive moments in the school’s history.

It is upon Brad’s legacy of service and brotherhood that Brother Rice High School now proudly stands.

Brad’s selfless spirit and moral compass led him to lead a life modeled by faith in service to his fellow man. So many have been the beneficiary of his sharp intellect, discerning wisdom, and lasting loyalty. None more so than two of Metro Detroit’s most recognizable and appreciated institutions – Ford Motor Company and Brother Rice High School. Two organizations central to the life and fabric of the community, both the beneficiary of Brad’s personal ministry and professional acumen.

Brad’s Creator gifted him a sharp and discerning intellect, a gracious and kind heart, and a warm spirit. He epitomizes everything it means to be a man of Respect, Integrity, Character, and Excellence.

In genuine and deep appreciation for all Brad has meant to so many, and in tribute to his singular standing as a beacon of mission among the thousands of our graduates, we proudly dedicate Brad Simmons ’75 Alumni Hall in perpetuity at Brother Rice High School.

Please enjoy a few photos from the dedication evening below.