University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Story of Giving – Larry & Barbara Griswold
08.05.2020 | General
As the parents of former student-athletes themselves, Larry and Barbara Griswold know how important philanthropic support is for university athletics programs. Their path to UNC Asheville and to the Bulldog Athletics program started with a love of learning.
As an advertising salesperson for Sports Illustrated, Larry commuted to New York City every day from their home in northern New Jersey. As the Griswolds contemplated where to retire, they remembered fondly their time in Asheville in 2006 and 2009 when they visited to enjoy two programs at what is now known as the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNC Asheville.
"We just decided when we could, it was time to go somewhere that was less crowded, had less traffic, less winter, and was a little more scenic," said Larry. "We set our sights on Asheville and, in the fall of 2009, found a place to rent for a month. It happened to be leaf season, and it was spectacular. We decided that this is where we wanted to be so we went back to New Jersey and moved here in 2010."
When the Griswolds moved to Asheville, they continued to enjoy OLLI workshops as well as an on-going program called College for Seniors. Anyone who would like to teach a course could submit a proposal to be included as a course offering. Due to Larry's unique experience working at Sports Illustrated, he submitted a proposal to teach the History of Sports Illustrated. His proposal was accepted, and he has taught this course along with 10 others since 2011.
With his background in sports, Larry and Barbara began attending a variety of games at UNC Asheville, including the grand opening of the Kimmel Arena when the UNC Asheville men's basketball team hosted the University of North Carolina Tar Heels. Eventually, Larry was introduced to UNC Asheville Director of Athletics Janet Cone, and soon Larry and Janet teamed up for two special presentations in 2018 and 2019 on the March Madness selection process. Janet offered insight into the NCAA Men's Basketball Selection Committee process as she was nearing the end of her term on the NCAA Men's Basketball Selection Committee.
"As we got closer to campus from our time at OLLI, we began learning about the teams and with Larry's background in sports, we found ourselves being drawn closer and closer to the UNC Asheville Athletic program," Barbara said. "We got to know some of the players, and we became very attached to the programs."
As the relationship between the Griswolds and the Athletic department grew, as members of OLLI they became mentors to several Bulldog student-athletes as part of the UNC Asheville Athletics Leaders for Leaders Program powered by Elk Mountain Wealth Partners.
"The second student-athlete I mentored was on the track & field team," said Larry. "During one of our conversations, she told me that they were unable to host any home track meets due to facility issues. Barbara and I are both graduates of a small Division III school, so we both know the importance of fundraising. I reached out to the Special Assistant to the Director of Athletics Betsy Blose to set up a meeting with Janet to work out a two-year agreement to help update the track facility."
Larry's and Barbara's guidance and generosity continue to make a mark on UNC Asheville's student-athletes. Their latest mentee, former volleyball player Carter Kennedy recently completed an internship with the San Diego Padres and now holds a full-time position with the Cincinnati Reds as a Social Media Design Coordinator. In addition to professional guidance, the Griswolds' philanthropic support allowed the Bulldog volleyball program to purchase a new playing surface for their matches at the Justice Center. The new court, made of Sport Court, is the first-of-its-kind in the Big South, and is designed to help prevent injuries. The Griswolds have also made philanthropic contributions to support renovations to UNC Asheville's Greenwood Baseball Field, among other generous gifts. In addition, the Griswolds became one of the very first members of the Athletic department's new Champions Society which raises necessary scholarship support for Bulldog student-athletes.
"UNC Asheville athletes are truly student-athletes," said Larry. "They're working on their education, working towards their degree, and becoming productive members of society after they graduate. They are not simply there to play their sport and have a good time."
"They are expected to be students first, and that comes from the top from Janet and goes all the way down to the coaches," Barbara said. "They all have that focus and everyone we have met supports the student-athletes so they can be the best they can be. The whole attitude at UNC Asheville is so worthy of support."
To support the UNC Asheville Bulldog Athletics program, join the Leaders for Leaders student mentorship program, or to learn more about other philanthropic opportunities available at UNC Asheville, please visit http://www.unca.edu
