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Scholarship to Honor Medgar Evers College Dean Killed in Amtrak Derailment

By Rachel Holliday Smith | May 22, 2015 11:00am | Updated on May 26, 2015 8:51am
 Dr. Derrick Griffith, 42, will be remembered in a scholarship fund at Medgar Evers College. Before he was killed in last week's train derailment in Philadelphia, Griffith served as the college's Dean of Student Affairs.
Dr. Derrick Griffith, 42, will be remembered in a scholarship fund at Medgar Evers College. Before he was killed in last week's train derailment in Philadelphia, Griffith served as the college's Dean of Student Affairs.
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CROWN HEIGHTS — Medgar Evers College has created a new scholarship to honor its former dean, Derrick Griffith, who was killed in last week's Amtrak train derailment.

Griffith — the 42-year-old former dean of Student Affairs — was a fierce advocate for underprivileged students, his colleagues said.

The Dr. Derrick E. Griffith Memorial Scholarship Fund will support students “who have overcome major obstacles” to pursue a higher education, the college announced this week.

“It’s not often that you meet someone as selfless as Derrick, and a fund that will help support students in their pursuit of education is the ultimate tribute to his life’s work,” said Dr. Rudy Crew, college president, in a statement.

MEC hopes to raise $25,000 for the new scholarship. Information about how to make a donation can be found on the college’s website.

Griffith was set to receive his doctorate — on an analysis of low-income black students in the education system — at Medgar Evers College's commencement on May 27, the school said.

A viewing and funeral service will be held for Griffith in The Bronx Friday night. The viewing will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Community Protestant Church at 1659 East Gunhill Rd. The funeral begins at 7 p.m.