Richard Wayne Simmons Undergraduate Geography Scholarship (SS5461)

Eligibility:
• be a junior or senior undergraduate geography major
• have a GPA of 2.5 or higher in their major
• have started school later in life or returned to school after some time away

The Richard Wayne Simmons Endowed Geography Scholarship honors Richard Simmons’ untiring advocacy for the Department of Geography. This scholarship was established to recognize the other than average student who is majoring in Geography.

Richard Wayne Simmons (1954-2007) was born in Houston, Texas to Henry L. Simmons and Verann Parma. He attended Southwest Texas State University where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography and Planning in 1987 and was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity.

He received the Geography Distinguished Alumni Award in 2003. Richard was an Environmental Health and Safety Manager at various locations throughout the world with Bechtel Corporation. He was an avid car enthusiast and sports fan, as well as a beloved son, father, and friend. He is survived by his parents, Henry L. and Verann Simmons, and sons Taylor and Cody Simmons. In 2003 Richard created the scholarship to honor his parents for their support of education and the benefit that a degree provides. Both Mr. and Mrs. Simmons attended Houston Business College and received Associate Degrees.

Mrs. Simmons went on to a long career as a manager with Tenneco Inc. in Houston, Texas. Mr. Simmons worked for Barclays Banking as a Regional Manager for the Texas and Louisiana banking offices. Both are retired and living in Houston, Texas.