About the Griffin Endowed Chair

The Robert and Marjorie Griffin Endowed Chair in American Government was established through private gifts to honor three decades of service by two of CMU's esteemed graduates--former U.S. Congressman, U.S. Senator and Michigan Supreme Court Justice Robert P. Griffin and his wife, Marjorie Anderson Griffin (pictured, right).

The endowed chair in the Griffins' name will recognize their significant public service contributions, stimulate the political conscience of students and scholars and help prepare principled political leaders to serve Michigan in the future.  The Griffins--who both were awarded CMU Distinguished Alumni Awards--serve as models for political and public service.
 

The endowment funds the salary and associated costs of a U.S. and Michigan government and political expert to serve as a faculty member in Central Michigan University's political science department.  The Griffin Endowed Chair leads the university's efforts to elevate political awareness and activity among students, faculty and citizens.

Responsibilities of the Griffin Endowed Chair
 

Teach an undergraduate course
The course will focus on current U.S. government policy issues affecting Michigan.  It will give students firsthand exposure to complex political issues and feature guest speakers from government and industry.

Conduct a series of political issues
The forums will be of relevance to Michigan, culminating with an annual symposium on Michigan politics.  Key experts from government, business, academia and elsewhere will be invited to participate in the forums, which will be televised on Central Michigan Public Television.

Supervise development of a Michigan political journal
The journal will cover current and historical issues in Michigan government.  The journal will encourage dissemination of political research to Michigan lawmakers, government and opinion leaders, and it will feature articles by political professionals researchers and others.

Oversee collection of Michigan political material
The collection will include research, data, campaign memorabilia and much more.  These materials will supplement the Clarke Historical Library holdings, which already include 410 boxes of Griffin's U.S. government papers.  The long-term goal calls for establishment of a center for Michigan politics, which will serve as a central source for scholarly and public research.

Statement of Facts about the Griffin Endowed Chair (2007)