Family of Harriet Ann Simon

Harriet Ann Simon was a modern-day Renaissance woman ahead of her time. She studied foreign languages, played the piano, and displayed other artistic talents. Her desire and a passion for knowledge provided her with a fast-track through college and law school, passing the bar exam at the age of 22 on her first try. With an illustrious career that culminated in a high-ranking position as an administrative law judge, her greatest accomplishments were those she held most dear – her close and loving family.

When Harriet passed away in May 2022 at the age of 81, her family discussed how they wanted to continue her legacy. Steve, an IT professional at SUNY Empire, and his father Arthur, a retired lawyer living in Silver Spring, MD, decided that the idea of supporting students was a perfect fit. The family agreed to establish an endowed scholarship at SUNY Empire in Harriet’s memory for students with significant financial need.

Harriet knew early on the importance of education. After graduating from Western High School in Baltimore as an honor student, she became the first in her family to attend college, entering the University of Maryland as a sophomore at the age of 17.

Harriet was granted early admission to University of Maryland law school and graduated at age 21 in 1963, one of only four women in her class of 57. After she passed the bar, the first time she took it, she went to work for the Social Security Administration in Baltimore. She later moved to Washington D.C. to work at the Bureau of Hearings and Appeals, where she met her future husband, Arthur. After a few years at the Bureau, she passed the test to become an administrative law judge, which she served until her retirement. She also served on former Vice President Al Gore’s National Partnership for Reinventing Government initiative.