Herman Simon, a longtime Pitt Community College supporter and namesake of a PCC health sciences training facility, passed away Nov. 15 at age 94.
Born April 11, 1931, Mr. Simon grew up in Paterson, N.J., during the Depression and worked his way through New York University. From an early age, he believed that hard work and education were the keys to success, a conviction that shaped his lifelong dedication to supporting education and helping young people become productive citizens. He often explained that the kindness shown to him when he “had nothing” stayed with him throughout his life.
As a friend and financial advisor to the Eddie and Jo Allison Smith Family Foundation and Grady-White Boats for many years, Mr. Simon played a key role in directing resources to PCC students and programs. In addition to helping establish the VISIONS Career Development and Scholarship Program in 2004, he was instrumental in the 2006 creation of PCC’s HORIZONS Program, envisioning both initiatives as pathways for Pitt County teens in need of guidance to transition successfully from high school or GED programs into PCC curricula.
In recognition of his support, PCC presented Mr. Simon with a Distinguished Service Award during its May 2007 graduation ceremony—the same night Matt Brown became the first VISIONS student to complete an associate degree at Pitt. The following year, the college announced that a new $6.5 million addition to its health sciences facility would be named in his honor.
When PCC dedicated the 35,765-square-foot Herman Simon Building in 2010, Eddie Smith—owner of Greenville’s Grady-White Boats and a major contributor to the project—spoke of his longtime friend and business associate. He noted that those who knew Mr. Simon best understood that the pride Mr. Simon felt that day came from knowing the facility bearing his name would provide opportunity for those striving to better their lives through education.
In December 2023, friends of Mr. Simon honored him once more by establishing the Herman Simon Endowed Accounting Scholarship through the PCC Foundation.
Additional details on Mr. Simon’s life are available in his online obituary.