Dr. Griffin and his family have been generous supporters of higher education throughout Florida ... Under Dr. Griffin's leadership, Alico, Inc. donated 760 acres for the Florida Gulf Coast University campus, as well as an additional 215 acres, funding for three Endowed Chairs, scholarships and $5 million for FGCU Athletics …The University's indoor sports facility, "Alico Arena," recognizes his tremendous support for FGCU …Dr. Griffin passed away in July 2020 …One of the preeminent businessmen in the Florida citrus industry, he used his leadership for the benefit of the state’s agricultural economy …Additionally, he used that success to support education throughout the state and, in particular, Southwest Florida, to help make Florida Gulf Coast University become a reality ... Besides the impact he made at both FGCU and his alma mater, the University of Florida, he established endowments and scholarships at Bethune-Cookman, Eckerd, Stetson, Warner, Webber International, the University of South Florida, Florida Southern and Polk Community Colleges to name a few ... He was also active in the Boy Scouts of America, the Heart of Florida Girl Scouts, and the FFA Leadership Lodge which promoted agriculture through 4-H, the FFA, and Youth Fairs ... On top of this honor, he is enshrined in the University of Florida Athletics Hall of Fame, the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame, the Florida Agriculture Hall of Fame, and the Frostproof High School Hall of Fame ... He earned the UF Distinguished Alumnus Award; the FFA Distinguished Service Award and the John T. Leslie Award of Excellence during his lifetime ... He graduated from Frostproof High School in 1960, received his Associate of Arts degree from College of Central Florida and attended the University of Florida ...He also served with the Florida Army National Guard. He was previously honored as one of the first three FGCU Athletics Honorary Letterwinners in 2011.

Hill Griffin (son of Ben Hill Griffin III) On Behalf Of The Griffin Family
"Our father was very active in athletics during his high school years. From the beginning of FGCU, his love and support for athletics has been evident through both his financial and service contributions. We believe our father would consider it an honor to be inducted as a member of the inaugural Athletics Hall of Fame class at FGCU! He was a strong advocate of higher education and he also knew the importance of athletics for university and college institutions."