University to present honorary doctorate to Great Conversations founder

OMAHA, Neb. – In 2004, a small group gathered at College of Saint Mary, eager to meet Dan Brown, the world-renowned author of The Da Vinci Code. Fast-forward 15 years and College of Saint Mary’s Great Conversations series is still going strong. This year’s event is expected to draw hundreds and will feature New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Weil. Yet, for the founder of the series, Kathryn Weil Simon, CSM’s Great Conversations is a part of a broader lifelong series – one of service, community enrichment, and generosity. In recognition of this exemplary support of the University and community, College of Saint Mary will award Simon with an honorary degree on Thursday, April 25th.

“Kathy’s example aligns with the mission of the college to promote inclusivity, dignity, and transformative educational experiences for people from all backgrounds,” said CSM President Dr. Maryanne Stevens, RSM. “We’re excited to celebrate her for the powerful work she’s conducted with the Great Conversations series, her lasting impact on women, and her commitment to positively improving the lives of children.”

Fifteen years ago, Simon brought that spirit of service to College of Saint Mary in the form of the Great Conversations series. A play off of an Arizona State event that exposed students to authors, the series fit well with the University’s mission by helping to embolden women and bring opportunities for enrichment to the broader community. The program features prominent authors and also highlights student speakers from CSM.

For Simon, the event and mission of College of Saint Mary meshed with her personal hopes for the empowerment of women. She says she has always been drawn to chances to help young people and women realize their potential.

“I’m comfortable in Catholic institutions. I feel strongly about the education of women in private women’s colleges,” says Simon, who is Jewish. “It was just a great fit.”

Most years the event is held on CSM’s campus in the heart of Aksarben Village which helps expose the College to the Omaha community. It has let community members interact with internationally-acclaimed authors, and it works to inspire women to boldly lead. Today, it’s blown up into an event that now hosts close to 200 women. Even with the grandeur of best-selling authors and artists, Simon says one of her favorite parts of the event is hearing women of College of Saint Mary tell their own stories.

“I think the favorite moments are when the students get up and speak and talk about how the college has impacted them,” Simon explains. “They’re all so eloquent and beautiful, and it’s so meaningful. They’re so grateful for what they’ve been given.”

She didn’t stop there. Simon has since created multiple endowed scholarships to the CSM, making a lasting impact on even more women. She’s also donated several pieces of art and gifted a priceless collection of Cinderella memorabilia, including 300 individual titles — 124 of which are held by fewer than 50 libraries worldwide. All-in-all, her contributions have helped CSM bring transformative, affordable leadership opportunities to women.

Still, it takes a mere glance at Simon’s broader life to see that her spirit of service reaches beyond the walls of College of Saint Mary. She spent the majority of her professional career as a guidance counselor and youth leader. She founded College Planning and Guidance Services of Omaha in 1982, which helped guide and support countless high schoolers through the college admission process. Simon spent the next decade as a guidance counselor at Brownell Talbot School and Duchesne Academy for Girls. All the while, she somehow managed to find time to volunteer at places like Omaha’s St. James Orphanage.

With this attitude of lifelong service, around five years ago, she started volunteering at Yavapai Elementary School in Arizona – a school that brings education to a high percentage of low-income children and ESL learners. There she works closely with students and helps develop teaching methods and practices for economically disadvantaged kids. Dana Silva, who worked with Simon in her 1st and 2nd grade classrooms, says Simon’s positive impact is obvious in the children’s responses.

“If you had seen her come onto campus and saw the reactions from the children, they see her and they flock to her,” says Silva.

Simon has volunteered for everything from leading emotional and social learning groups to conducting after school mentoring. She’s also led countless school-wide programs, including goal-setting initiatives, skill-building activities, and a range of programs that encourage learning.

“They enjoy her company,” says Silva. “At my school you don’t know a lot about what happens at home, but you know a lot of them have a tough time. To have someone who is a positive role model who cares about them – that really shows in the way that kids respond to her.”

In addition to leading students, she also has helped parents learn English through classes, and she has even led trips throughout town to help parents practice English in everyday settings. Silva says throughout Simon’s time at Yavapai, she has given students support, drawn out curiosity, and promoted lifelong learning.

“[For Simon], it’s always about trying to get kids to think about what their impact is, what they wonder about, what they want, and what they think,” Silva explains. “It’s encouraging them to bring out the learner and curious person in themselves.”

Fittingly, Simon will pass on her experiences as a leader and community advocate as the keynote speaker at CSM’s 2019 Commencement Ceremony. She will be awarded an honorary degree at the Great Conversations Luncheon on April 25th. The event will be held at Temple Israel, 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive, Omaha. Elizabeth Weil, who is also Simon’s niece, will host a book signing at 11:30 a.m., with the luncheon and presentation beginning at noon. Tickets are $25 per person. Registration is available online at CSM.edu/GreatConversations.