Alumna’s Lifelong Connection Leads to Legacy Gift

The college community was formative for alumna Carol Griffin ’67.

Carol grew up attending Catholic schools and felt a deep connection with the nuns at Barry University. She developed a friendship with her botany professor, a fellow green thumb type, who encouraged her love of plants. For much of her life after college, Carol was active in the Miami Shores Garden Club as a member and leader.

The relationships Carol made with other students were strong and lasting, forged through classes and evenings out together. Living in Miami, she helped orchestrate reunions and keep everyone in touch after graduation.

Carol’s son Casey, an avid golfer, chose to attend Barry University, too. That endeared the family to the school’s athletic teams. She and husband Gus Griffin contributed each year to both the general fund and the sports program. In Carol’s will, she continued that support with an undesignated financial gift for Barry University to use where needed most.

After Carol’s death, her husband, Gus Griffin, found warm memories of her time in college tucked away in her things: notes about her classmates and their lives through the years, textbooks stored in banker boxes in her closet. He noted that she took her time there, taking five years to graduate with her Bachelor’s degree.

“Carol enjoyed school so much, she dragged it out as long as she could,” said Gus. “She loved Barry University and everyone there and really wanted to contribute to its overall success.”

You can help provide transformational experiences to current and future students of Barry University by including us in your estate plan. Contact Smilka Melgoza at 305-981-8182 or smelgoza@barry.edu to learn how your generosity can elevate students’ futures.