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.
