LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Derrick Griffith,
Dean at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, and devoted member of his
community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Derrick Griffith of Brooklyn, New York, died on May 12, 2015,
at the age of 42; and
WHEREAS, Derrick Griffith was well-known throughout the CUNY system,
the City of New York and beyond, for his exemplary leadership in educa-
tion throughout his more than a decade long career; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable educator distinguished himself in his profes-
sion and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of his community; and
WHEREAS, Derrick Griffith served as founding Principal of the CUNY
Preparatory Transitional High School, a program which helps teens who
drop out of high school find a way to qualify for admission to college;
and
WHEREAS, In 2011, Derrick Griffith became the Executive Director of
Groundwork, Inc., an organization formed to support young people living
in high poverty urban communities; that same year, he joined Medgar
Evers College as Assistant Provost in what was to become the first of a
number of roles he would fill at the College; and
WHEREAS, The Dean of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at
Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn at the time of his death, Derrick Grif-
fith had recently defended his dissertation to achieve his Doctorate of
Philosophy in Urban Education; and
WHEREAS, Derrick Griffith's commitment to excellence, and his spirit
of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including char-
itable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, An outstanding leader and champion for all of those in need,
Derrick Griffith guided and motivated countless young people to pursue
higher education; he also worked tirelessly to encourage and support
disadvantaged students including women who were victims of domestic
violence, and students who were on the borderline of failing; and
WHEREAS, Derrick Griffith is survived by his mother Carlea, and his
son Darryus; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Derrick Griffith leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the untimely death of Derrick Griffith, and to offer its sincerest
condolences to his family; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Derrick Griffith.