Dr. Derrick Griffith, dean at CUNY Medgar Evers College, touched so many people during his more than 10 years in education before his death in the Amtrak derailment in Philadelphia Tuesday.
He was a champion for his students, who often viewed him as a father figure willing to do anything to make sure his kids succeeded, according to the students and faculty who assembled for a vigil in Brooklyn Thursday evening.
Student Jessica Leighton said in tears, "A big piece of my heart is gone. I grieve and ache knowing he will not be on campus anymore."
Griffith was the dean of student affairs and enrollment management at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, and had just gotten his doctorate of philosophy in urban education before he was killed in the train crash, according to CUNY spokeswoman.
News of the 42-year-old Brooklyn educator's death has dealt a devastating blow to the community.
"I couldn't believe it until last night," said Ayesha Adeel, a freshman at Medgar Evers. "I cried all through the night, I couldn't take it."
Alumna Evangeline Byars said, "He was a student advocate. He believed that students had the right to get whatever it is they needed. He was there for those who were oppressed: women who were victims of domestic violence, students who were on the borderline of failing. He was their personal champion, always encouraging you to go forward and to be your best."
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"He fed them, he clothed them. Literally, with his own money sometimes," she added.
In a statement, CUNY said: "Derrick was a pillar in the community. He served the students of Medgar Evers and the greater community with passion and he will be sorely missed. He was a champion for the downtrodden and he encouraged students to pursue education with vigor. During the course of his more than 10 years working in the field of education,
"Derrick wore a number of hats as he worked to help others look toward a better life. He served as a school principal for a number of years and in 2003, he founded the CUNY Preparatory Transitional High School. In 2011, he was the Executive Director of Groundwork, Inc., an organization formed to support young people living in high poverty urban communities. He joined Medgar Evers College that same year as Assistant Provost in what was to become the first of a number of roles he would fill at the College," the statement said.
An NBC 4 New York Facebook post on Griffith's death quickly filled with tributes by those who knew him.
"He was the best principal anyone could ask for. He pushed us and believed in us when we didn't believe in ourselves. I am going to miss Griff like crazy and am heartbroken that I won't be able to see him one last time," wrote Stan N Tiffany Beasley.
Shamar Bunch wrote, "Dr. Griffith's vision helped me reach my goal of attending college. His vision opened doors and granted opportunities for myself and many others when we thought we had hit rock bottom."
"He loved his students and always pushed us to do our best," wrote Christina Colon, who said she was a student at CUNY Prep.
Cynthia Naraine, a former employee of Griffith while he was director of the Hudson Guild non-profit organization, wrote: "He was such a great advocate and helped those living in our community. I was blessed to have known him many years ago. This is so sad."
Five other people with ties to New York and New Jersey have been confirmed among the dead. They include Justin Zemser, a Naval cadet from Queens who was on his way home for break, Jim Gaines, an Associated Press staffer on his way back to New Jersey, Rachel Jacobs, a Philadelphia CEO who lived in Manhattan with her husband and children, Abid Gilani, a Wells Fargo executive, and Laura Finamore, a managing director at Cushman & Wakefield.
