Herbert Simon Family Foundation

Donor highlight: Herbert Simon Family Foundation

Herron alumna Rachel Simon speaks from personal experience when she advocates for Art Therapy. “The value of art reaches far beyond the aesthetic,” she said. “I think through Herron’s Art Therapy Program, the general public will begin to see and understand the value of the arts at a more tangible level.”

“The interrelationship between the human condition and science is very real,” said Herron alumna Simon (B.F.A. in Painting, ’08), recently describing why she’s an art therapy advocate. “Within art therapy,” she said, “science ultimately uses art as a communicative tool to help in the healing process.”

Simon speaks from personal experience. While attending Herron, she underwent her first back surgery. She found that creating artwork helped her reconcile physical limitations, pain, self-image and an array of emotions.

“The value of art reaches far beyond the aesthetic,” she shared. “I think through Herron’s Art Therapy Program, the general public will begin to see and understand the value of the arts at a more tangible level.”

On behalf of the Herbert Simon Family Foundation, Rachel said, regarding the Foundation’s recent gift to the Art Therapy Program, “We are excited to see education, art and healthcare create a collaborative and mutually beneficial program that improves the lives of patients and students. It is a true win-win for everyone involved.” She added, “Herron’s approach toward outreach and innovation makes it a natural home for this program, one of 33 in the country.”

Herron recognized the Foundation during IUPUI’s 2013 Spirit of Philanthropy Luncheon and Awards Ceremony on April 2. The event honors the individuals, corporations and foundations that have contributed to campus programs through philanthropic gifts and voluntary services.

We are excited to see education, art and healthcare create a collaborative and mutually beneficial program that improves the lives of patients and students. It is a true win-win for everyone involved.

Rachel Simon

This most recent gift to Herron from the Herbert Simon Family Foundation demonstrates its commitment to and support of the Art Therapy program at a crucial time in its early development. Launched in 2012, its first graduate students are completing their internships.

Rachel believes Herron’s internship placements with numerous community partner organizations is a key component in helping others learn about the power of art therapy.

This year, the program placed 10 students in healthcare facilities and social service agencies. Next year, the program will welcome its second cohort. Each student will be placed with a community partner organization. The placements not only benefit the students as they fulfill a mandatory, 1,000 hours of direct care, but the patients and clients who are served as well.

Or contact:

Kim Hodges, Director of Development
317-278-9472
kshodges@iu.edu