Alumni in Action

What stands out about CU Denver for two-time alum Charles Griffie ’96, MBA ’01 is a sense of belonging: "I feel like I have a place to come home to," he explains. Although he grew up in the Denver area, Charles actually did come home when he transferred to CU Denver to earn his bachelor’s in engineering after a brief—but significant—detour to southern California.

"There are a lot of students who transfer to CU Denver, so for whatever reason if [college] doesn't work out where you started, there's a place” he says, reflecting on his own educational journey. “I never felt like an outsider at CU Denver."

Setting “the Expectation”

Even as a student at Denver Public School’s Manual High School, Charles knew he was destined to earn multiple degrees. He acknowledges his mother and father for setting "the expectation"—which he later credits as "guidance." “I wasn't raised in a household where [my parents] were always pushing me; there was an expectation that you knew was there," he says. In addition to supportive parents, Charles cites his friends in high school as another early influence on his path in life: “My friends were taking AP and accelerated courses, and my competitiveness pushed me to take the same classes as them,” he says. "I've always had a lot of folks that have encouraged me to do well, providing me support and pushing to get the most out of me.”

Another influential person he credits for his success in life is his wife, Ayana MBA ’98. After graduating from Manual, Charles headed to San Diego State University. Through a mutual connection, he and Ayana met when they were both 19 years old. She was a student at the University of California, San Diego. After receiving her undergraduate degree in 1994, Ayana moved to San Francisco, and Charles returned home and attended CU Denver’s Engineering School. After maintaining their distant relationship for “what seemed like an eternity,” said Charles, Ayana moved to Denver in 1996 with her job.

Drawn to the Engineering Community

Engineering attracted Charles on multiple levels, and CU Denver provided him an environment and community where he could thrive. "I love building things and problem solving," he explains. As an undergraduate, he enjoyed studying in the Auraria Library with members of what was then CU Denver's Minority Engineering Program, and collaborating with others is something that still resonates with him today. "I just enjoy accomplishing things as a team,” he says. A sense of community is essential to success in higher education, especially in majors like engineering that are highly collaborative and require interdisciplinary expertise and teamwork. Charles encourages current students at CU Denver to develop a "support group" among their peers and to follow in his footsteps by "utilizing the many resources the school provides for students."

After completing his engineering degree in 1996, he began his career at Amoco Production Company (now BP), where he was hired as an intern in his senior year of high school. Charles went on to earn his MBA at CU Denver in 2001, although he chuckles to himself when admitting Ayana had a higher GPA when she earned hers. Overall, his experiences as a student at CU Denver remain vivid to him to this day. Even the bitter moments, like walking to campus during a snowstorm or working on engineering projects late at night, remain cemented in his mind as joyful memories, bringing a smile to his face.

Success Built on Support

With two degrees, Charle’s professional life would only take off after graduation, leading him to various leadership positions in multiple oil and gas companies. "I've always had this affinity towards finance and leadership," he says. "At the end of the day, every business that is out there—no matter what it is—you need to make money,” he explains. “You want to build projects that make money, so I was able to use my MBA and my engineering degree [in tandem]."

Charles realizes his academic and professional success is not solely attributed to his efforts. He is grateful for the support and guidance he received from his parents, teachers and mentors. “Even to this day,” he says, “I have a board of mentors that I consult with regularly.” His mentors include people from his professional, spiritual, and personal life. 
Reflecting on the roles he has held as senior vice president for multiple companies, Charles explains that there is still a curious sense of nuance to his professional career. "There's always something new happening.” he says. “You can study finance and engineering forever and never master them. I see it as opportunity." He also takes pride in leading a team and paving the way for future leaders. "As you move up in your career, you're creating opportunities for others," he says. "It's some of the most rewarding parts, seeing the satisfaction and joy as a team of accomplishing something together,” he says.

Staying True and Having Fun

It isn't just moving up in the professional world that Charles hopes current CU Denver students carry out. He urges students and alumni, whether in the classroom or remote, to have the goal to "learn and do well," staying true to their core values, which for him are integrity, humility, and collaboration. "Just do good," he says, citing advice he received early in his career from a CEO. "Don't stray from your core values."

And when the school or workday ends, Charles also encourages Lynx, both past and present, to "have fun. Go outside, get some fresh air, and enjoy life," he says. "College goes by quickly, and you want to look back and enjoy it."