Accolades and Accomplishments

Emily Griffith’s Accomplishments

• 1904-1908 Deputy State Superintendent of Schools

• 1910-1912 Deputy State Superintendent of Public Instruction

• 1927 Founded # 9 Pearl Street, a residence for homeless boys; now the Emily Griffith Center in Larkspur, Colorado

• 1985 Inducted into Colorado Business Hall of Fame

• 2000 Recipient of Mayor Wellington Webb's Millennium Award Selected as "Denver's Most Useful Citizen"

• Honored at the Colorado State Capitol building for her contribution to Colorado history; she is the only woman

Emily Griffith’s Accolades

The Denver Kiwanian gave Emily this tribute in 1946, "Under the inspiration of her spiritual vision and work, the Emily Griffith Opportunity School was founded 'for all who wish to learn.' Her heart, as large as humanity, her generous, creative spirit, quickened the soul of Denver to high achievements. Because of its power to inspire, we keep the memory of what she has done vivid.

Because the way she pointed is now so clearly essential, we walk in it with increasing purpose." When visiting the Colorado capital building, you will find Emily standing humbly in her stained glass window among all the men selected for their contributions to Colorado history. She is the only woman. She was chosen for her impact upon the educational process, especially for adults. Her compassion, hard work, and vision made her a force able to change the futures of many.

Even after her death, Emily continues to earn accolades for what she accomplished. The Colorado Business Hall of Fame honored her as one of five people who "possess qualities of commitment, dedication and success to the business community and the state of Colorado". She was the only woman in the group. The award was for outstanding business achievement and leadership exemplifying the spirit of community giving. There would be few, if any, in the Denver community who have touched more lives than Emily Griffith.