John Griffin Scholarship Program

The Griffin Scholarship Program is named in honor of John Griffin, a long-time trustee of Suffolk University and founder, in 1937, of the Sawyer Business School. Griffin held an MBA degree and taught economics at Suffolk University before becoming President of the Joseph P. Manning Company and the Virginia Investment Company of Boston.

The John Griffin Scholarship Program is the flagship honors program at the Sawyer Business School . It is designed to provide a supportive and encouraging environment for students of intellectual curiosity and academic distinction -- those who ask the extra question or are challenged by the difficult problem.

This distinctive program enriches students’ understanding of business in a global environment. Griffin Scholars benefit from many exceptional opportunities to work closely with peers, with faculty and with members of the business and government communities in a series of special academic experiences. The benefits include:

• An academically challenging curriculum
• Development of exceptional leadership skills
• Faculty mentoring and guidance
• Active and collaborative learning
• Enriching educational and social experiences 
• Supportive college environment 
• Strong alumni connections 
• Graduation with Honors

Griffin Scholars participate in special honors seminars and courses that permit them to shape their learning experience to their own needs and concerns. Close collaboration with faculty and administrators, and with business executives in planning academic and social events designed to foster a sense of community, provide intellectual stimulation and networking opportunities.

Special courses and seminars include honors sections of required business courses, as well as Challenge courses. Past offerings have included: International Legal Environment, Decision Modeling, Portfolio Selection, Creating Institutional Change, and Social Entrepreneurship Negotiation.

Eligibility is based upon minimum grade point average requirements. Griffin Scholars receive a merit scholarship each year. A Griffin Oversight Committee composed of faculty, students and administrators reviews student progress annually to ensure that students are making appropriate academic progress and maintaining fellowship averages.

Sawyer Ambassadors

Each year, ten talented full-time students are selected to be Sawyer Ambassadors. They each receive a $ 4000 scholarship that includes 10 hourse per week of work study. The Sawyer Ambassadors serve on the Griffin Oversight Committee, and are a dynamic resource for undergraduate students. They work to build community and identify and address unmet students needs, creating new programs and activities to support a wide range of student activities. The Ambassadors publish the Sawyer School Student newsletter “The Suffolk Business Leader.”

National Association of Black Accountants (NABA)

The Business School is one of the original Educational Institution Partners of NABA’s Boston Chapter. Sawyer Business School’s representation has been strong in this organization. NABA was founded in 1972 by a group of black accounting professionals from the area who began meeting to provide support and social/networking opportunities in the profession. The Chapter and its membership have grown steadily, with increased diversity in its corporate supporters, and in the number of quality programs implemented over the past ten years.

The organization, and accounting as a profession, have received increased recognition over the years. The Boston Chapter continues to implement programs that are geared to assist minority students and professionals to pursue careers in accounting, maximize their career potential, perform civic duties and promote NABA.

Sawyer School participation includes providing funding for travel for chapter members attending Regional Career Conferences. In 1998, NABA’s Boston Chapter formally established a College and University Partnership, with Suffolk University as one of the original members. Sawyer School students are well represented on the NABA Board, and several have been President, Vice President or Treasurer. For more information please contact: Professor Gail Sergenian, 617.573.8652.

Beta Alpha Psi

Beta Alpha Psi is a national honor society and professional accounting fraternity. This honor society recognizes outstanding academic achievements in the field of accounting, promotes the study and practice of accounting, and provides leadership and social/networking opportunities for members and practicing accountants. The activities of this Chapter strongly emphasize the Business School’s mission and role in developing students who will succeed in the accounting profession.

Active leadership by the Accounting Faculty in Beta Alpha Psi has strengthened Business School students’ professional experience and reputation in the community. Student members of Beta Alpa Psi participate in professional meetings, career presentations and field trips to learn real-world accounting practices, and prepare for on-campus recruiting and job interviews.

The Business School also participates in the Volunteer Income Tax Program (VITA) which provides opportunities for students to engage actively in the practice of preparing tax returns. Sawyer students are also active in community service, co-sponsoring Red Cross blood drives and tutoring initiatives.

The Sawyer Business School Chapter has received national awards (Distinguished Chapter in 1999), and students have participated in National Case Study Competitions since 1998. Ongoing participation by faculty and other interested parties has resulted in increased on-campus recruiting by all five major accounting firms and several large regional and local accounting firms, as well as major consulting firms.