A loyal Georgia Southwestern alumnus, Griffin Bell received The Aoelian Award in 1977 (award recognizes GSW alumni who have distinguished themselves in their respective career fields) and the Leewynn J. Finklea Outstanding Alumni Award in 1993 (award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service to GSW). And on November 24, 1998, he accepted the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the American Association of State Colleges sand Universities, chosen by the AASCU Board of Directors on the basis of contributions to the public, intellectual or cultural life of the nation. This award is presented annually to an alumnus of an AASCU institution. Georgia Southwestern State University holds the distinct honor of having two alumni chosen for this award: Rosalynn Smith Carter (1987) and Griffin Bell (1998).

Judge Griffin B. Bell was awarded the Regents’ Hall of Fame Award for the State University Sector at the fourth annual Regents’ Awards for Excellence in Education Gala March 29, 2008 in Atlanta. The purpose of the Award is to acknowledge the dedication and accomplishments of alumni from institutions within the University System. In December 2008, Bell received an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from Georgia Southwestern State University in recognition of his achievements and appreciation for his efforts to promote the interests of his alma mater.

 

 

In addition to Bell’s successful law career and many accolades, he remained a committed supporter to his Alma Mater. Made possible by a gift from Bell, Georgia Southwestern hosts the Judge Griffin B. Bell Lecture series. The Lecture Series is held each February, and brings to campus men and women who have led successful careers and allows them to share their experiences with students, faculty, staff, and the community.

The institution was privileged to name its newly acquired golf course after Griffin B. Bell at a ceremony on September 11, 2008. Bell had an avid love for golf and as a permanent reminder of Bell’s impact on the University and the golf course, a bronze plaque was constructed that includes his portrait, his accomplishments and the date of the naming ceremony.