Alumni Profile – Jane Simpson ‘78

What have you done since graduating from LI? 
I went to Champlain College in Burlington, VT and graduated with an associate’s degree in accounting. While there I earned a walk on athletic scholarship for field hockey and softball. I also worked at IBM part-time. After graduation I started a job as an accountant at a non-profit community development corporation who had subsidiaries that developed affordable housing and provided property management services where I worked for over 20 years. Right after college I also got married and lived in East Burke, VT for 37 years, and raised three great children who all went to Burke School and Lyndon Institute. They were active in local sports and then went on to college. During this time, I also co-owned a small dairy farm for about eight years. I changed jobs a few times and found out how valuable on the job training enhances your education. One job was at a law firm as their accountant that expanded to oversee computer systems and human resources as well. I really feel working at the law firm gave me the knowledge needed to work in management level positions. Meanwhile, I always kept active playing softball, and I always had a horse at my home as that was one hobby I have always been very passionate about. I moved to Merrimac, Massachusetts in 2015 and I continued working in non-profit finance, eventually in Boston, MA until I recently retired in 2025. Interestingly enough, my initial post-college position as an accountant for real estate developers and property managers was instrumental in my work with Boston non-profits. As my children moved on, I turned my attention to competing with my horse in local gymkhanas and decided to compete at the next level  - here I am today, barrel racing in VT, NH, ME, NY, CT, VA, PA, GA and FL. Life is good!

Tell us about your family.
I have three children who all graduated from LI. Meagan Newland Howard ‘02, is currently LI’s CFO, Katy Newland Seneca ‘04, is the VP of Finance at Adimab, and Zachery Newland ‘06, is a Foreman of SE Power. 

How many people in your family graduated from LI?
Myself, my three children and both of my parents; Brenda (Bailey) ’58, and Bernard Simpson ’57.

What was your first memory of being excited?
Making the Varsity Field Hockey team as a freshman. I lived and worked on a dairy farm—never played sports prior, so I guess I picked the game up quickly. 

What are you most proud of from your LI experience?
Making National Honor Society, my class rank and all the athletic experiences

Which class helped you the most with your future endeavors?
The Business and Accounting classes helped me the most. I was taught how to manage a checkbook, reconcile a bank account, apply for a bank loan and manage a mortgage. 

Which classes were the most difficult for you?
Language classes were the toughest for me. I couldn’t justify the need for them in my future at that time.

Do you have any scars on your nose from pushing pennies on Freshman Day?
No, but we were warned it would happen. I was lucky that I was looked over.

Which event was your favorite during Winter Carnival?
Snow sculptures

What would you name the autobiography of your life?
Horsing Around

What extracurricular activities did you participate in?
Field Hockey, Softball, Track and gymnastics

Who was your favorite teacher at LI?
Mr. Ron Pearl - Algebra

What was your favorite lunch from the LI cafeteria?
Tuna casserole

Which employee at LI was nicknamed “Cuddles”?
Robert “Bob” Heath. He graduated with my parents, and he was the enforcer at the time I was there.

What Vehicle did you drive to school?
Used Plymouth 2-door 

Who had the sweetest ride when you were in school? 
Steve Parker always drove a sweet truck

Who did you go to prom with?
Richard Newland (who I was married to for 34 years)

If you had to do it all over again, what would you have done differently?
I would have made it a point to appreciate how beautiful this school is to look at with the field below, beautiful buildings, etc.

What advice do you have for students as they look for future careers or programs to apply to?
Hard work pays off, so don’t give up, be flexible, stay focused, have empathy and respect for all people you meet along the way.