We are saddened to share that Roy Simperman, class of 1962, has passed away. Many in the Carroll community can attest to the profound impact of Roy’s generosity—his support has transformed the college, and his legacy will be felt for generations to come.
Over 46 years of support, Roy has contributed more than $9 million to Carroll, helping to expand opportunities for students and enhance campus resources. His generosity touched nearly every part of the college, from academics to student life:
- Simperman Hall Science & Technology Upgrades ($1M+): Roy’s early investment in Carroll’s labs ensured students had access to cutting-edge equipment in science, technology, and nursing.
- Simperman Math, Science & Nursing Scholarships ($2.8M+): Established in 2009, these scholarships have helped over 332 students pursue degrees in high-demand fields.
- Corette Scholarship Fund: Roy continued this family scholarship in honor of his late wife, Diane Corette Simperman, supporting countless students over the years.
- Roy F. Simperman Angel Fund: Established in 2017, it was created as a retention fund to support students facing financial hardships, helping 42 students remain enrolled between 2017 and 2024.
- Keck Observatory Fellowship: He and Frances helped create a partnership with the W.M. Keck Observatory in Hawaii, giving Carroll students an exclusive post-graduate research opportunity.
- Simperman Learning Commons & Corette Library Renovation ($4.2M): His most recent and largest gift transformed the 40-year-old library into a state-of-the-art learning and study space, fostering collaboration and innovation.
Roy believed in the power of Catholic education because it changed his own life. He worked his way through Carroll—driving trucks in the summer and playing music on weekends—graduating nearly debt-free before launching an extremely successful career in science, technology, and business. He never forgot the role Carroll played in his journey and spent decades making sure future students had even better opportunities.
We are eternally grateful for all that Roy, his wife, Frances, and the Simperman and Corette families have done for Carroll College and its students. Their legacy will continue to shape this campus for generations to come.
Carroll will hold a memorial service for Roy on Saturday, March 1, beginning with a viewing at 9 a.m., followed by Mass at 10 a.m. in All Saints Chapel. A reception will follow in the Corette Library and Simperman Learning Commons from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bishop Vetter will be celebrating the Mass. All are invited to gather in remembrance and pay tribute to a man whose generosity profoundly shaped our college.
May he rest in the mercy of God and rejoice in the glory of eternal life.
Learn more about Roy's contributions to Carroll College here.