A recent School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) graduate is making a difference for Chicago’s youth one plate at a time. Kenneth Griffin (SCPS ’25) earned a bachelor’s degree in nonprofit‌ management,‌ adding ‌to‌ his impressive resume as founder of ‌the ‌nonprofit ‌No‌ Matter ‌What,‌ Chicago‌ police ‌officer ‌and‌ chef.‌

Griffin‌ founded‌ No‌ Matter ‌What‌ in Englewood in 2015 based on the belief that the city’s young people can overcome challenges no matter what obstacles are in their way. Participants work in a community garden and take part in a culinary camp where they learn cooking skills. A summer travel program has also taken young people to the United Kingdom, Ireland ‌and‌ Italy. ‌Last ‌year, ‌Griffin‌ won the Law Enforcement Hero award from the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago for his efforts.

“Kenneth’s journey demonstrates the power of education to transform both individuals and communities,” says Norma Barakat, academic advisor at SCPS. “His leadership and commitment to helping Chicago’s youth reflect the very heart of SCPS’s mission.” — CC

This story was featured in DePaul Magazine's Winter 2026 edition.