LGBTQ advocate wins mtvU award

UNM alumnus David Griffith won mtvU’s new “Top of the Class” award for his work with the LGBTQ student resource center.

The award is part of a new program designed to recognize three university students nationwide whose accomplishments extend beyond academics, Carlo DiMarco, mtvU senior vice president of Strategic Partnerships, said in a press release. The award winners each receive $5,000.

“As the 2011 school year comes to a close, mtvU is excited to roll out new programming that captures the spirit of today’s college students, recognizing the newsmakers who made an indelible stamp on college culture this year, and students who are on campus inspiring change,” DiMarco said.

Debbie Morris, director of UNM Student Activities Center, said she nominated Griffith because he struck her as being both talented and humble.

“This person, when you look at his résumé and all the stuff that he’s done, and there’s never him trying to shine the spotlight on himself,” she said. “He’s quick to give credit to everybody else, and he’s just one of those people you’re like, ‘Wow, this guy’s going to accomplish a lot in his life.’”

Griffith is the chair of UNM’s Queer Straight Alliance and was a founding member of the UNM LGBTQ Resource Center, where he continues to work.

Griffith said his efforts with the Resource Center have improved the LGBTQ student experience at UNM.

“It’s really been student driven, student led,” he said. “But I do like to think that I’ve been one of the leaders of that movement. There definitely has been that rise in visibility, and it’s probably a much better climate for students now than it was two years ago.”

Griffith also created the “Out and Ally” pledge for University faculty and staff as an initiative for National Coming Out day, and continues to advocate for LGBTQ rights as a “Safe Zone trainer,” according to the press release.

Griffith completed his Bachelor’s Degree in sociology this May, but said he would like to continue supporting the resource center.

“I’ve definitely found that it’s kind of become a passion for me, so I’d like to stay involved in this community,” he said.