Page 4 - New York Statewide Smart Scholars Overview and Profiles

Dedication

We would like to dedicate this document to the memory of Derrick E. Griffith (July 14,
1971 - May 12, 2015), a man who was deeply passionate about establishing meaningful
connections with others, whether it was his colleagues or students. Derrick served as
director of the Smart Science Scholars Program (S3) – the Smart Scholars ECHS
partnership between CUNY Medgar Evers College and Medgar Evers Preparatory
School – from November 2011 until his untimely passing. He served in this role first as
part of his responsibilities as Acting Assistant Provost for Student Success, and then as
Acting Dean of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Medgar Evers College.

Over the course of his professional career, Derrick constantly challenged himself to
undertake new opportunities. He served as a social studies teacher, curriculum and
professional development manager, and adjunct instructor. Prior to joining the staff at
Medgar Evers College, Derrick served as the Executive Director of Groundwork, Inc., a
Brooklyn-based community organization working to increase college access among
residents of public housing developments. From 2001 to 2009, he served as the
founding Director and Principal of CUNY Prep Transitional High School administered by
CUNY’s Office of Academic Affairs. Derrick had recently completed a Ph.D. in Urban
Education at the CUNY Graduate Center, and was looking forward to participating in his
doctoral commencement ceremony on May 27, 2015, celebrating the achievement of
his own educational goals.

Derrick was an outstanding educator and champion of underserved urban youth. He not
only worked with young people, but also challenged them to think deeply as they
pursued their future goals. We are profoundly grateful for the invaluable contributions
that Derrick made to the administration of, and especially to the students of the S3
Smart Scholars ECHS Program. He inspired all of us to constantly work harder, and
always strive to achieve more.