50-Year Family Connection

Move-in day for Simpson’s Class of 2029 last week featured an unforgettable family legacy moment. When Juliet Low ’29 entered through the gates of College Hall, no one was cheering louder than her great aunt, Denise Griffey ’79.

“I just had my 50-year reunion at Simpson,” said Griffey, a retired educator and current Simpson Board of Trustees member. “And now Juliet is here. This is so very special — it makes me want to cry.”

Low came all the way from Portland, Ore., to attend Simpson. Family ties proved to be a powerful influence.

“Aunt Denise was pretty persuasive,” said Low. “She introduced me to Simpson and brought me on a tour. I learned that the programs here are really amazing — I especially love the theater program. And the campus is super pretty.”

Griffey is eager to see her great niece blossom over the next four years.

“I think Simpson has a wonderful, welcoming community,” said Griffey. “There’s a lot of pieces in place that set Juliet up for a great experience. She will be around students who are going to stretch her. And where she goes at the end of all of this will just be fun to watch.”

Photo caption: Denise Griffey ’79 was thrilled to welcome her great niece, Juliet Low ’29, and family as Low begins her studies 50 years after Griffey opened her college career at Simpson.