What’s his motivation?

“God and children,” says Roosevelt Griffin III, a senior music education major.

As president of the Epsilon chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Griffin takes daily steps toward his career at a time when many students are struggling to find their path.

“Most people don’t think that young people can accomplish so much in a short amount of time,” Griffin said. “I don’t try to prove them wrong with my success; rather, I show myself that I can do what I want and be good at it.”

Griffin founded the Motif jazz band and was a member of the NIU Philharmonic, Wind Symphony and Wind Ensemble.

“I enjoy playing music,” he said. “Even when I was in high school, I was the principal tubbist at Thornridge High and, in the summer, I was a part of Suburban Youth Symphony Orchestra.”

When school wasn’t in session, Griffin served as orchestra coordinator for Diana Ross and the Supremes’ “Return to Love” tour and traveled with the Three Tenors.

“The experience I had with the tenors was amazing,” he said. “Most people I talk to have never heard of them and they can’t understand what made me so excited about it. But it is a blessing nonetheless.”

Griffin credits his accomplishments to his faith.

“Everyone says ‘If it wasn’t for God, none of this would be possible,'” Griffin said. “They are right. I was able to see that through serving my church

community.”

At Bethlehem Temple Baptist Church, Griffin taught summer school to the parish children.

“He taught music, mainly guitar and piano,” said Willie Smith of Bethlehem Temple. “Roosevelt showed a genuine interest in lives of the children and their learning experience. He was a good role model for them and the parents hated to lose him at the end of the program.”

Based on his affiliation with the International Association of Jazz Education, Griffin is able to teach elementary and high school students when he goes home to Harvey, Ill. Most college students remember how difficult their formative years were. It is for that same reason that Griffin takes every opportunity he can to serve as a mentor.

“I volunteer to teach the students how to play the guitar and the piano. We learn more from each other when we talk about things that are going on in their lives,” Griffin said.

While at NIU, Griffin continues his volunteer work while involving his fraternity brothers. Last semester, the Alphas started their community service with the Big Brother/ Big Sister organization of DeKalb County. Director Ann Wilson found Griffin’s enthusiasm infectious and well received.

“Under Roosevelt’s leadership, other people want to do more,” Wilson said. “He’s awesome, encouraging and nourishing toward the children. While most of my volunteers I had to track down after Christmas break, Rose gave me a call so we could get started on this year’s agenda.”

Griffin said the most important thing in making a success out of yourself is helping others.

“Music is my way of being an inspiration,” Griffin said.

Music professor Steven Squires said Griffin is on the road to success.

“He has natural talent for rhythm and melody, ” Squires said. “Roosevelt has a bright future in music. “