Family of Harriet Ann and Arthur Simon

Harriet Ann Simon and Arthur Simon were both the first in their respective families to attend college. They strongly believed that education was a major factor to a brighter future.

Harriet attended high school in Baltimore, MD as an honor student, then entered college as a sophomore at the age of 16. She was granted early admission to the University of Maryland law school and graduated at age 22 in 1963, one of only four women in her class of 57. Harriet was an accomplished lawyer who eventually became an Administrative Law Judge with the federal government. 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 for knowledge provided her with a fast-track through college and law school, passing the bar exam on her first try. She also served on former Vice President Al Gore’s National Partnership for Reinventing Government initiative. 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.

Arthur Simon was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. He served in the Korean War and briefly taught Social Studies. Harriet and Arthur met in Washington D.C., when she was working at the Bureau of Hearings and Appeals and he was a lawyer with the federal government. Arthur ended up having a long and successful law career with the federal government, where he eventually became a supervisor in the Public Health Service Claims Office. Their family wishes to honor their shared passion for learning by assisting others advance their education. The Harriet Ann and Arthur Simon Scholarship was established in their memory by their son Steve Simon, a retired IT professional at SUNY Empire, to support students with significant financial need as they pursue their degrees at Empire State University.