College names studio after former instructor

Assiniboine College officially named its audio recording space The Bob Simmons Studio on Friday afternoon at the Victoria East campus.

The naming was to honour the longtime instructor, “whose influence continues to resonate” with students, colleagues and the broader media industry, the college said.

Assiniboine president Mark Frison said the recognition was made possible through a grassroots effort led by Simmons’ former colleagues and alumni.

“Bob’s former colleagues felt that we should honour his legacy in some way,” Frison told the Sun. “They came together, raised more than $7,000 in donations to sponsor the naming of a studio within the college’s Centre for Creative Media.”

Simmons, also known as “Audio Bob,” spent 37 years at the college, shaping generations of students in the media and communications program. He began his career in 1980 in Adult Basic Education before moving into audio instruction when the broadcast arts program launched. He retired in 2017 and passed away in 2022.

The president said the newly named studio reflects both Simmons’ technical expertise and his deep commitment to student success.

“For any of these legacy rooms, students will ask, ‘Who was Bob?’” Frison said. “There will always be people here who knew him — colleagues or former students — who can share what he meant. And even as time passes, that story will continue to be told because it’s been cemented in a space like this.”

For Simmons’ family, the tribute carries deep emotional significance.

“This is super meaningful to me,” said Jil Simmons, his eldest child. “He was a great father and a great person overall. He absolutely loved being an educator. He was passionate about music, audio equipment and teaching students.”

She said the naming of the studio brings immense pride to the family.

“We are so proud of him and all the great work that he did,” she said. “For the college to honour him in this way is incredibly meaningful and touching.”

Simmons was known not only for his passion for audio production but also for his curiosity and dedication to mentoring students, often maintaining connections with them long after graduation, the college said in a news release Friday.

“Many of those former students have gone on to work in the media industry, carrying forward the lessons he instilled,” it said.

“His name in that space represents the hundreds of students he worked with,” Frison said. “It ensures his legacy continues — not just in memory, but in the ongoing work of teaching and learning.”

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