MARCH 17, 2005ANNUAL MEETING PHOTOS
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One of the greatest running backs ever to play college football, Griffin was awarded the Heisman Trophy in consecutive years, 1974 and 1975, and is the only player to ever claim the award twice. "Archie was a tremendous athlete, but his meaning to Ohio State goes far beyond what he did in his playing days."
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| Archie
Griffin is one of Ohio State's most recognizable
and respected graduates and President/CEO of The Ohio State University Alumni
Association, Inc., an organized body of alumni dedicated to making Ohio State
stronger. Griffin toke over the office of
president/CEO on Jan. 1, 2004. "What attracted me to this position
was my passion for Ohio State," Griffin said. "I've had the opportunity to
travel coast to coast and visit with a lot of alumni clubs and thousands of
alumni and see their passion for Ohio State. Griffin said he is excited about
working closely with alumni. "People make the difference," he
said. "Their love of the university is very visual on football Saturdays and at
basketball games. But as I have traveled around, I can see their passion not
only for sports but for the university as a whole." |
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The Ohio State University Alumni Association is a dues-supported organization of graduates, former students, and friends of Ohio State with 123,195 members. The organization is headquartered at Longaberger Alumni House, 2200 Olentangy River Rd., across from the Schottenstein Center.
Ohio State President Karen A. Holbrook was also delighted by the announcement.
"We are thrilled to have Archie Griffin heading our Alumni Association," Holbrook said. "He is a beloved and admired Ohio State legend, and his involvement in community initiatives across the state represents the finest characteristics of the Buckeye spirit. Furthermore, through his work as associate director of athletics, he has demonstrated the skills to manage and lead a large organization. This outstanding appointment will ensure that Archie will stay connected to Ohio State."
Griffin brings to the Alumni Association a broad range of experience, service, and contacts. He created the Archie and Bonita Griffin Foundation Fund, a charitable fund used to develop children's programs in central Ohio in the areas of sports, education, and travel. He also created the Archie Griffin Scholarship Fund, which raises funds for Ohio State's Olympic sports programs.
Griffin also serves on the boards of many not-for-profit firms, including the Central Ohio Breathing Association, the Columbus Youth Foundation, and the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame Honors Court. In 1998, he chaired the YMCA of Central Ohio's annual giving campaign.
Griffin's leadership in athletics is reflected in the Archie Griffin Sportsmanship Award, established by the Ohio High School Athletic Association to recognize student athletes for sportsmanship, ethics, and integrity.
In 1999, he received the PricewaterhouseCoopers Doak Walker Legends Award, which recognizes college football greats who have exemplary records of leadership in the community. In 2000, he was one of six former athletes to receive the NCAA Silver Anniversary Award for distinguishing themselves since completing their college careers.
Griffin graduated from Ohio State with a bachelor's degree in industrial relations in 1976. He played eight seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL.
After working for the Shoe Corporation of America for seven years, Griffin returned to his alma mater in 1984 as an assistant director of staff employment. The following year, then athletics director Rick Bay recruited Griffin to the athletics department. |
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