Pre-Law graduate Ashley "AJ" Simms had a harmonious UAlbany undergraduate experience, and he gladly contributed quality and spirit in return.

A two-year member of the UAlbany Pep Band, Simms helped boost enthusiasm for Great Dane fans at football and basketball home games, and also at UAlbany's NCAA men's basketball tournament contest in Columbus, Ohio, versus Virginia, in March 2007. "That was extremely rewarding," said Simms. "The guys played hard and made everyone proud."

The summa cum laude graduate in political science and music made UAlbany proud in many ways. He was a member of the crew team, was a first flutist with the University Orchestra, and sang tenor with the University Chamber Singers, conducted by Professor David Griggs-Janower.

"AJ is absolutely reliable, a quick study in everything he does, and a genuinely nice young man," said Griggs-Janower. "He's one of our exceptional students."

Top law schools took note. AJ was accepted at several, and chose Stanford, but deferred his admission one year to complete a Rockefeller College MPA. "I am very excited that I'll be gaining a greater knowledge of concrete logistical issues facing modern government on both the state and federal levels," he said.

The University will gain from another year of Simms in the Pep Band. "I like to think that I have contributed my fair share," he said, "but I know that the University did far more to change me for the better than I could ever do to improve an already excellent university."