John F. and Winifred M. Griffith Endowed Scholarship
Winifred “Winnie” Griffith was born in Great Falls, Montana, in 1914. Following her father’s encouragement, Winnie strongly believed in the value of education, especially for women, and in being an independent person, an uncommon attitude for women of her era. Later, as a teacher and librarian, she encouraged other young people in those respects. In 1966, Winnie came to Eastern Montana College (now MSU Billings), retiring as Assistant Professor and Librarian in 1979. All the while, education remained her passion. Winnie earned her Master’s in Library Science from the University of Washington in 1967 and completed her Master’s in Education from EMC in 1973. Winnie’s passion for education and independence remained intact until she died in early 2004 at age 89. During her lifetime, Winnie had established a trust naming MSU Billings Foundation a beneficiary of her estate, resulting in a gift that established the John F. and Winifred M. Griffith Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship fund benefits students who demonstrate exceptional academic and leadership skills. The first scholarship was awarded in academic year 2005-2006.
Impact
“The people I have become to befriend at MSU Billings are priceless treasures and the road ahead of me has been illuminated with promise. I love to learn and will continue to do so. As the recipient of the John F. & Winifred M. Griffith Endowed Scholarship, I will be able to faithfully keep attending MSUB, earn a degree and take the first step down the road I choose to walk. Thank you!” — Kaelen S., Accounting major