Archie Griffin’s gift opens doors for student-athletes
Archie Griffin’s gift opens doors for student-athletes
Endowment support creates lasting opportunities for those chasing their dreams at Ohio State.
Archie Griffin’s name is etched in Buckeye history as the only two-time Heisman Trophy winner. Yet his greatest impact may be what he continues to do off the field.
In 2002, Archie and Bonita Griffin established the Archie Griffin Endowment Fund for Olympic Sports. The fund helps undergraduate student-athletes in Olympic programs have the resources to pursue both their education and their passion.
More than $1.6 million in scholarships have been distributed since the fund launched.
“This scholarship has meant the world to me. It gave me the chance to chase my dreams here—an opportunity I wouldn’t have had otherwise.”
Endowment gifts create a lasting impact by ensuring stability and opportunity for generations to come. Unlike annual donations, endowments provide a permanent source of funding that can support scholarships, academic resources and athletic excellence. This sustained investment can help students thrive regardless of economic shifts or budget challenges.
Amanda Watters Fields ’12, ’14 MA, says Griffin’s example taught her that when someone gives you an opportunity, you should create a ripple effect by helping others succeed. As captain of Ohio State’s pistol team, Fields received a scholarship from the Archie Griffin Endowment Fund for Olympic Sports, which allowed her to focus on academics and training instead of juggling multiple jobs.
“Archie’s passion for helping and empowering others by giving back—while also striving to go after your dream—was something that resonated with me. Hearing him speak encouraged me to give back,” Fields says.
Today, as an assistant principal in Georgia, she continues to live out Griffin’s philosophy by volunteering and advocating for students with literacy challenges.
Giving isn’t just about dollars; it’s also about having a vision for the future. Since its inception, the Archie Griffin Endowment has amassed a value of more than $4 million. Every dollar strengthens programs, supports students and keeps Ohio State’s student-athletes thriving.
“Being able to attend school here in Ohio on a scholarship has given me the chance to experience a new part of the country and receive a great education while still playing the sport I love. Playing college sports has always been a goal of mine, and the scholarship I received made that dream possible.”
Archie Griffin’s life reminds us that greatness isn’t just measured in trophies, but in the lives changed and opportunities created. At Ohio State, tradition and excellence endure because of those who believe in paying forward. That spirit lives on in every student-athlete who dreams big and every alum who helps make those dreams possible.