East Harlem Tutorial Program Statement on the Passing of Jim Simons

photo by, Béatrice de Géa

Earlier today, Jim Simons, a celebrated mathematician, investor and philanthropist, passed away in New York City at the age of 86.  Marilyn Simons, Jim’s wife, is a longtime supporter and board member of East Harlem Tutorial Program and East Harlem Scholars Academies.  In 1994, Jim and Marilyn established the Simons Foundation, which Marilyn led until October 2021, and together they made historic investments in scientific research and education for underserved communities.  Among their many leadership gifts were contributions to the Campaign for East Harlem that funded the establishment of permanent facilities for East Harlem Scholars Academy and East Harlem Scholars Academy High School.

 Throughout his life, Jim served as an inspiration to generations of mathematicians, scientists, and investors.  His curiosity and probing mind led to breakthroughs in all of the fields that he touched.  Although he left math behind as a profession more than 40 years ago, the one-time chairman of the math department of Stony Brook University and famed code breaker from MIT, brought the same analytical approach from math to everything he did and reshaped how others worked in fields of quantitative investing and basic science.  He also founded Math for America to improve math education for students in schools around the country.  

EHTP envisions a world where all young people access an unconditionally supportive education that offers them the freedom to embrace – and build on – their inherent power as learners.  We have known very few people more committed to the idea of lifelong learning than Jim Simons. EHTP served as just one example of how Jim turned his efforts to philanthropy, not only through charitable giving but also through asking questions that others had not considered at Education Roundtables or even board holiday dinners at his home. EHTP could not have been built to its present status of serving thousands of families in East Harlem without Jim’s inspiration, wisdom, and participation.

Over more than twenty years, we also witnessed the incredible partnership between Jim and Marilyn, both in marriage and the leadership of the Simons Foundation.  The entire EHTP family sends its love to Marilyn today, as well as to Jim’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild.  Our thoughts are with them even as we celebrate his life and impact.

for more information visit www.simonsfoundation.org