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From Cypress Lake to career success, young alumnus gives back

Gareth Griffin's affiliation with UL Lafayette began long before his decision to give back to it. He comes from two generations of family members who attended, and his parents met across the street from the La Maison Française. His childhood was filled with Cypress Lake visits and elementary school bus routes through campus.

After attending the University of Georgia for his undergraduate degree, his educational ambitions led him back to UL Lafayette to pursue a Master of Arts and work as a graduate assistant in the Edith Garland Dupre' Library. Griffin's work there deepened his special connection to UL Lafayette and led to him seeking ways in which he could ease the financial burden on current and future students as they pursue their own goals.

In addition to providing annual support for graduate students, he expanded his philanthropic impact through designating UL Lafayette as a beneficiary of his 401(k) to establish the Gareth F. Griffin University Libraries Fund. At age 37, he became one of the youngest members of the Louisiana Heritage Society.

Griffin's choice to give back was an easy one. His professional background in higher education development forged a deep understanding of the important role private donations play in increasing the quality of the educational experience as well as its accessibility to high-need individuals. By establishing a legacy plan at UL Lafayette, Griffin provides the University with a lasting source of financial support to benefit students and Dupre' Library leadership beyond his own lifetime.

Now working as assistant vice president of business intelligence and decision support at Duke University, Griffin enjoys using his expertise to guide donors in their efforts to invest in higher education. He helps donors' philanthropic visions come to life, and through his personal giving he sees his own passions come to fruition as well. His gifts offer financial support for conference fees, research, professional development, and other educational needs - all which Griffin experienced firsthand as a graduate assistant.

"I hope to inspire those who don't think they have the ability to give a cash gift to seek other ways to make an impact, even if it's not right now." Griffin encourages friends and alumni to give at an annual level if they can - a $50 gift is as important as a $100,000 gift. Students will feel the impact of both throughout their educational experiences.