Alice and Joe Griffin
U Alice Griffin of A Alumna has given a gift to establish the Alice R. and Joe A. Griffin Women’s Giving Circle Endowment. The endowment, named in honor of Griffin’s late husband, will support the circle’s mission to fund innovative programs and research in the UK.
“The amazing research and creative projects happening on campus make such a huge impact in the state,” Griffin said. “It is humbling to read about the incredible work being done, and it has been challenging to narrow down the pool of grant proposals on Voting Day. My hope is that this gift will allow even more support for the important initiatives stemming from the campus that is changing our world.” It extends to communities, industries and people to make the world a better place.
In addition, the endowment is structured so that the WGC can meet the immediate need of a student in distress. During the pandemic, the WGC Jane B. Gearhart was able to help out with Full Circle Food Pantry’s emergency grant money. Griffin hopes that if a student is in crisis, resources can be used to help them overcome an obstacle that will help them finish a semester and eventually graduate.
Griffin is the Director of Course Review and Program Evaluation in the Provost’s Office. Her broad background in student programs and passion for student success are motivating factors for her generous support of the circle’s priorities for enriching the quality of life of women and children; support and promote scholarship, research and service; and encourage outreach and engagement in Arkansas.
“Alice is a great friend and lawyer at the University of Arkansas,” said Kelly Knight, executive director of the Women’s Giving Circle. “Her commitment to helping students and advancing the research of talented and innovative faculty and staff is inspiring and helps drive positive change on campus and beyond.”
The Women’s Giving Circle includes U of U alumni, faculty, staff and university friends and was created to encourage women to be philanthropic leaders. Circle members make annual contributions to the annual awards collectively to selected recipients who complete the grant proposal process.
Since 2003, Circle has awarded more than $1.6 million in funding to faculty and staff members from various departments and academic units at the university. This year will mark the 20th year of funding for the circle. The Women’s Giving Circle was created by founding members of the Women in Philanthropy Committee of the Twenty-First Century Campaign.
Women’s Giving Circle is currently accepting grant applications until June 1.
Learn more about Women Giving Circle and how to join or submit a 2022 grant application.
About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas’ premier institution, U of A provides internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to the Arkansas economy through providing training for professional disciplines, along with the discovery of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, research and creative activity contributes to. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A with the highest level of research activity among some of the American colleges and universities. US news and world report The U’s A ranks among the top public universities in the country. See how U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research News.
