In Memoriam: J. Barry Griswell, Past Board Chair
By Scholarship America
Scholarship America lost a true friend this week with the passing of J. Barry Griswell. Barry joined the Scholarship America Board in 2010, served as Chair of the Board from 2017 to 2019 and was Immediate Past Chair of the Board at the time of his passing. He was an important, ever-present member of the Scholarship America family and anyone who met Barry was struck immediately by his presence, his gregarious spirit and his humanity.
As first-generation college graduate, Barry knew firsthand the impact a scholarship can have on helping you reach your goals. He called education “the great economic equalizer” and stated that “scholarships do, in fact, change lives.”
Because people believed in him when he had a dream, he passed that along through his philanthropy. He was a continuous and vigilant supporter of students through his generosity and leadership — especially for the Scholarship America Dream Award and Dreams to Success event, which he co-chaired for four-years.
Those who knew him loved, respected and admired him. He was a giant in his industry and made an indelible impact on us and our students. He will be missed, but we will cherish and celebrate the memories and stories he has given us. His actions changed the world and his stories will always make us smile.