About the Griffin Endowed Chair

The Robert and Marjorie Griffin Endowed Chair in American Government was established through private donations to honor three decades of service by two of CMU's esteemed graduates — former U.S. Congressman, U.S. Senator and Michigan Supreme Court Justice Robert P. Griffin (1923-2015) and his wife, Marjorie Anderson Griffin (1922-2017).

Former U.S. Representative Dan Kildee named next Griffin Endowed Chair

Kildee will lead university's efforts to elevate political awareness and activity

Former U.S. Representative Dan Kildee has been named Central Michigan University’s next Robert and Marjorie Griffin Endowed Chair in American Government. This prestigious position underscores CMU's dedication to fostering political engagement, scholarly excellence, and public discourse on pivotal governmental issues.

Dan Kildee, a lifelong Michigander born and raised in Flint, brings a wealth of experience to CMU. He served as a U.S. Representative from Michigan from 2013 to 2025, following a distinguished career of service in Genesee County and Flint. Kildee has been a tireless advocate for education for all of Michigan. He has lectured at both Baker College Flint and Harvard Kennedy School.

As the Griffin Chair, Kildee will teach an undergraduate course focusing on U.S. government policy issues affecting Michigan. This popular course will provide students with firsthand exposure to complex political matters and feature guest speakers from government and industry. The Griffin Chair also coordinates and hosts forums addressing topics relevant to Michigan, drawing on experts from government, business, academia and other sectors who will be invited to participate.

Reflecting on his new role, Kildee stated, “I am deeply honored to join CMU as the Griffin Endowed Chair. I have spent a career advocating for education, I am excited to be able to directly engage with CMU students. Understanding our political systems and history is an essential part of helping communities address critical issues facing our state and nation, and CMU students are hungry for the knowledge to help them serve.

Kildee's career is marked by significant achievements, including co-founding and serving as president of the Center for Community Progress, a national nonprofit focused on urban land reform and revitalization. He also established Michigan's first land bank—the Genesee County Land Bank—which has been instrumental in redeveloping Flint and has served as a model for over 100 other land banks nationwide. Never one to slow down, Kildee now serves as the President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint and Chair of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission.

Dan Kildee's extensive experience in public service and his deep understanding of Michigan's people and political landscape make him an exceptional choice for this role," said Richard Rothaus, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. “I love that Rep. Kildee did not stop to rest after his time in Congress. Our students could not have a better role model of how knowledge and a passion for service can be combined.”

Thomas Greitens, Chair of the School of Politics, Society, Justice and Public Service at CMU emphasized that Rep. Kildee, from the start, has demonstrated how much he is bringing to CMU.  “Dan Kildee is bringing Jim Ananich, ten-year Michigan State Senator and Minority leader, with him as a co-instructor and partner during his tenure as Griffin Chair. Of course, I am excited about the value added, but the real treasure is that our students will see first-hand how partnerships make change."

Established in 2000, the Griffin Endowed Chair honors CMU alumni Senator Robert P. Griffin (Class of 1947) and Marjorie Griffin (Class of 1944), recognizing their commitment to public service and civic engagement. Kildee becomes the eighth individual to hold this esteemed position, succeeding Andrea LaFontaine.

Responsibilities of the Griffin Endowed Chair

Teach an undergraduate course
The course will focus on current U.S. government policy issues affecting Michigan. It will give students firsthand exposure to complex political issues and feature guest speakers from government and industry.

Conduct a series of political forums
The forums will be of relevance to Michigan, culminating with an annual symposium on Michigan politics. Key experts from government, business, academia and elsewhere will be invited to participate in the forums.

Supervise development of a Michigan political journal
The journal will cover current and historical issues in Michigan government. The journal will encourage dissemination of political research to Michigan lawmakers, government and opinion leaders, and it will feature articles by professional political researchers and others.

Oversee collection of Michigan political material
The collection will include research, data, campaign memorabilia and much more. These materials will supplement the Clarke Historical Library holdings, which already include 410 boxes of Griffin's U.S. government papers. The long-term goal calls for establishment of a center for Michigan politics, which will serve as a central source for scholarly and public research.

Past Griffin Endowed Chairs

• Andrea LaFontaine, Chair from 2021-2025
• David Rutledge, Chair from 2017-2021
• Gary Randall, Chair from 2013-2017
• Maxine Berman, Chair from 2009-2013
• U.S. Senator Gary Peters, Chair from 2007-2008
• William S. Ballenger, Chair from 2003-2007
• Craig Ruff, First Griffin Endowed Chair from 2000-2003

About Robert and Marjorie Griffin

The Griffin endowment is named to recognize the significant public service contributions of distinguished CMU alumni Robert P. Griffin, former U.S. senator, and his wife, Marjorie, former Clarke Historical Library board member.

Robert P. Griffin

The Honorable Robert P. Griffin (1923-2015) served 22 years in the U.S. Congress. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1956 and was appointed to the U.S. Senate in 1966 following the death of Senator Patrick McNamara. He was elected later the same year and reelected in 1972, serving through 1978. He was the Republican minority whip from 1969-1977.

After his Senate terms, Griffin continued his public service on various boards while practicing law privately until 1986 when he was elected to an eight-year term as associate justice of the Michigan Supreme Court.

After graduating from Dearborn's Fordson High School, Griffin began his Central Michigan studies in 1941. His education was interrupted in 1943 by World War II. He earned two battle stars while serving with the 71st Infantry Division of the U.S. Army in the European Theater, returned to Central Michigan in 1946 and graduated in 1947 with a bachelor of science degree. He married Marjorie Jean Anderson the same year.

Griffin earned his juris doctor degree from University of Michigan in 1950 and later was awarded 11 honorary degrees, including a doctor of laws (LL.D.) degree from CMU. He donated his U.S. Congressional papers to Clarke Historical Library at Central Michigan University after he left the Senate.

Senator Griffin died April 17, 2015, at the age of 91. Read Sen. Griffin's obituary

Marjorie Anderson Griffin

The valedictorian of Ludington High School, Marjorie Anderson Griffin (1922-2017) attended Central State Teacher's College to become a teacher, graduating in 1944 — once again as valedictorian of her class. She was very active as a Central college student, serving as president of the Association of Women Students and as the first chairman of the Central's Victory Loan Fund for returning veterans.

Griffin taught two years in Greenville, Michigan, before returning to Central Michigan as a faculty member in Park Library. She later served a decade as a member of the Board of Governors of the Clarke Historical Library.

Mrs. Griffin died on February 1, 2017, at the age of 94. Read Marjorie Griffin's obituary