Board of Directors

Patricia Jean Simon, IHC Vice Chair

is a lifelong resident of Illinois. Raised in the west central Illinois town of Carthage, she attended Western Illinois University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with teacher certification and specialization in curriculum and motivation.

In 1970 she joined the staff of the 1970 Illinois Constitutional Convention and was assigned to the Public Information Committee. As Co-director of Educational Programs and the Visitor's Center that welcomed over 24,000 visitors, she oversaw the development of educational materials for use in Illinois schools and made arrangements for visitors to hear lectures and meet with their delegates.

Once the convention completed its work, Simon joined the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction as a Specialist in Higher Education. Her work involved preparing briefs for the superintendent or his designated representative for meetings of all governing boards in Illinois for public higher education institutions. She also wrote briefs on higher education legislation and worked closely with the Bureau of the Budget for higher education budget legislation.

In 1972, she met David R. Derge, the new President of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. They were married and later had a son, Bill, and a daughter, Jennie. As a stay-at-home mom there were many opportunities to work as a volunteer both in schools and the community. These included serving on curriculum committees, fund raising, grant writing, and membership in community volunteer groups.

In 1996, her husband died and in 2001 she married former Senator Paul Simon, who had retired from the Senate and established the Public Policy Institute at SIU. She was introduced to many of his pet projects and in particular to the issues of safe water and sanitation - both domestic and international. Senator Simon had written a book, Tapped Out, about the coming crisis in water and was asked to speak at many events. His book was even translated into Arabic. During these many meetings and conferences Simon became a real advocate and has pursued these issues following Senator Simon's death. She has attended numerous showings and participated in panel discussionsof Running Dry, a documentary based on his book that was completed after his death. She has also urged members of Congress to support legislation and appropriations for water projects. Most recently she has worked on the Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act of 2005 and its financial support. As a member of the Water for People Board, she is getting more insights into international water issues.

She continues her community service as a member of the Southern Illinois Symphony Board, Artworks for Schools Committee, and the Illinois Lincoln Academy. She also devotes time and energy to the newly renamed Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, which continues to encourage action on water issues.

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