Donors
View All Donors| Runner | Donors | Raised ($) | Goal ($) | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meghan Flaherty | 17 | $3,875 | 5000 | 77.5% |
| Dan Hudson | 17 | $2,151 | 5000 | 43.0% |
| Daniel Nathan | 108 | $8,601 | 5000 | 172.0% |
| Ashley Doak | 46 | $5,425 | 5000 | 108.5% |
| Derek Cunningham | 15 | $1,203 | 5000 | 24.1% |
| Jonathan Klippert | 59 | $5,390 | 5000 | 107.8% |
| Kelly Donahoo | 17 | $1,700 | 5000 | 34.0% |
We invite the Lasell University community to make a gift to support the seven individuals running the Boston Marathon on April 21 to raise money for the D.J. Simmonds ’08 Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Dennis “D.J.” Simmonds graduated from Lasell in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. As a member of the Boston Police Department, he was recognized for his achievements and was commended for his work involving gang activity. Among his many accolades and awards, he received the Schroeder Brothers Memorial Medal and a “Top Cop” award.
On April 15, 2013, D.J.’s life took a tragic turn after he responded to an emergency call in Watertown, where the six-year Boston Police veteran engaged in a shootout with the two suspects responsible for the Boston Marathon bombing. During this encounter, he sustained a serious head injury from an explosive device thrown in his direction. Despite having to endure immense physical pain and trauma from the attack, D.J.’s commitment to serving his community never faltered. He eventually returned to the force and received the Boston Police Department’s most prestigious award for bravery. However, nearly a year after the attack, D.J. suddenly passed away from medical complications traced to the injuries he sustained as a first responder on that fateful day 12 years ago. He was only 28 years old.
The D.J. Simmonds ’08 Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 2015 by the Simmonds family, led by his sister, Nicole Simmonds-Jordan, to honor the sacrifices D.J. made to protect and serve his community and to support the next generation of Lasell students.
More information about D.J.:
Lasell website: The D.J. Simmonds '08 Scholarship Fund at Lasell University
Leaves magazine: Stuck at the Intersection of Black and Blue: Op-Ed by Nicole Simmonds-Jordan
WHDH 7News: Family remembers D.J. Simmonds as fifth bombing week victim