Alumnus of the Year

Lisa Griffin Hodgdon A’90, center, with her parents James and Judy Griffin, daughter Emma (6th grade), son Griffin (8th grade), sister Melissa Griffin Barrus A’90 and husband Keith.

Alumnus of the Year LISA GRIFFIN HODGDON A’90

Lisa Griffin Hodgdon A’90 was named Alumnus of the Year at the annual Alumni Dinner in November. Hodgdon and her sister, Melissa Griffin Barrus A’90, commuted to the Academy from Plant City, a decision she credits to their mother. After the Academy, she graduated from Florida State University and graduated cum laude from Stetson University College of Law. Her two children, Emma and Griffin, attend middle school at the Academy.

Hodgdon works at Nelson Mullin where she focuses on cases involving Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Family Medical Leave Act, the Federal Civil Rights Act, whistleblower and retaliation claims, and state and local employment laws. She volunteers her time with the AHN Mothers Association as president, the Junior League and Guardian Ad Litem. She is also a Leadership Tampa alumna.

At the dinner, Hodgdon received an introduction by Academy campus minister Katie Solomon Holland A’95, who worked closely with Hodgdon during her many years as Community Service Day chair. Holland said, “Lisa absolutely deserves to be recognized as our Alumnus of the Year. She lives out our motto of ‘Esse Quam Videri’ better than any other person I have met through my many years of being associated with the Academy. She balances the demands of a prestigious career with the importance of family life and still makes time to help those around her. … Lisa lives her life for the good of others and lives in a way that makes [Academy alumni] look really good.”

Upon accepting her award, Hodgdon credited the Sisters with her foundation and continuing their educational model with today’s students. “[During] my four years [at the Academy], I learned that it is all right to go outside your comfort zone, and sometimes we have to be pushed. I appreciate the Sisters of the Holy Names for doing that. … I think that outside of the comfort zone is where you reach your full potential,” she said.

With her ongoing commitment to the Academy, the community will certainly continue to benefit from Hodgdon’s service. It is in her modesty, however, that her gratitude is most evident. “Every bit I have given back does not begin to touch what I have received and [what] my family has received,” she said.