Helen V. Griffith ’81

Superintendent/Executive Director; The Preuss School at UC San Diego

Helen V. Griffith ‘81 is a thoughtful leader who ensures each Preuss School donor feels the impact of their generosity. With over 25 years of experience as an educator, she serves as the inaugural superintendent of The Preuss School UC San Diego. She is the only educator in San Diego County to have opened three new schools, and her work has earned her recognition as a San Diego Top 50 Black Leader of Influence and the Educator of the Year award from the California League of Middle Schools.

Her career is marked by trailblazing leadership and a commitment to high-quality stewardship that honors every donor who supports The Preuss School’s vital work. She believes that increasing access to education requires a villageof passionate supporters who are welcomed, valued, celebrated and appreciated for their generosity. Her approach encourages donors to become active participants in the life-changing outcomes of the students they support. This dedication to personalized connection has led to historic outcomes for The Preuss School, including a $1.5 million gift to fund middle school transportation.

Griffith’s innovative approach to stewardship is perhaps best exemplified by her revitalization of the art of the handwritten note. She created specialized greeting cards that feature scholar art, stories and photos to ensure donors feel the personal and profound impact of their gifts. Sharing personal stories of first-generation scholars in these cards demonstrates the positive ripple effect of every philanthropic contribution, which extends far beyond the classroom. These cards are more than just keepsakes — they are a token of gratitude, a thoughtful donor touchpoint and a way to expand support for The Preuss School.

Griffith always brings a personal approach to stewardship that ensures supporters connect their gift to the students they impact. In a recent video project honoring an Illustrious Alumni Award recipient, she researched and skillfully narrated the story of a Preuss scholar who benefited from the awardee’s generosity. By researching and sharing these specific student stories, she personalizes donor impact and consistently turns one-time gifts into sustained, lifelong partnerships. Through her expert storytelling and creative engagement, Griffith has established a lasting connection between The Preuss School and its supporters.

A proud UC San Diego alumna, Griffith has a unique ability to connect our campus to its supporters by sharing her journey to personal and professional success. Her story is evidence that there are countless paths and possibilities available to the Tritons of tomorrow. Her stewardship efforts do more than just raise funds; they create new opportunities for scholars who have been traditionally underrepresented on campus and provide donors with a sense of purpose and meaning.