Opportunity Met Ability for Alumnus During Time at St. John’s

During a gap year after the academy, St. John’s reached out to Mr. McGriff, informing him of his eligibility to study there. “I was offered a scholarship, and they invited me for a tour,” he recalled. “When I learned about the program, I knew it was the perfect fit for me.”

Upon arriving at St. John’s, he discovered a new passion: working behind the camera. The University’s Bachelor of Science degree program in Television and Film opened his eyes to the many career paths available in the industry, ultimately leading him to production roles on two Emmy® Award-nominated, late-night shows: Late Night with Seth Meyers and The Amber Ruffin Show. 

Today, he serves as Vice President at Straight to Cards, a production company founded by Amber Ruffin and Jenny Hagel in 2021 under an overall deal with Universal Television (NBCUniversal).

His achievements were recently recognized by Forbes magazine, which named him to its prestigious “30 Under 30” list in the Hollywood & Entertainment category, honoring individuals making a significant impact across various industries.

Reflecting on his journey, he shared, “I grew up in New Jersey and attended an acting program in Manhattan, so I was excited by the idea of going to a university close to the city, where I had already built so many relationships. It felt special to have New York City as your backyard. I still love that line they used during the St. John’s tour.”

During his time at St. John’s, Mr. McGriff was involved with service activities such as Midnight Runs, where students travel into New York City distributing food and necessities to people experiencing homelessness, many of whom were open to sharing their stories. “I really enjoyed doing that,” he recalled. “It felt good to give back, and it’s something I still prioritize today.”

In addition to his service work, Mr. McGriff was a Resident Assistant for the former St. Vincent Hall dormitory, and was an active member of the Voices of Victory Gospel Choir, where he held the position of Treasurer. Nigel W. Gretton, Director of Performing Arts, personally selected him to sing the National Anthem at his Commencement ceremony. “I am forever grateful to Nigel for trusting me with that honor,” he said. It remains one of his most cherished memories.

Through the Television and Film program, Mr. McGriff met many professors and alumni working in the industry, including Mary Beth Scalici ’85SVC, Vice President of Studio Operations and Event Producer at NBCUniversal, who helped him secure his first role after graduation at MSNBC as a Technical Production Coordinator.

During his Internship at Late Night, Mr. McGriff was given the opportunity to work in the control room, something he had already done at the University’s Television, Film, and Radio Center, a broadcast-quality, high-definition production and postproduction facility that can accommodate both in-studio and on-location productions. Thanks to his St. John’s training, Mr. McGriff was already a burgeoning leader who embraced this fast-paced environment.

While at St. John’s, Mr. McGriff met with University Career Services advisers to determine which internships would make sense for him. “They were really invaluable,” he noted. 

“My first internship was with NBCUniversal for SYFY Network, which then led to an internship at Late Night with Seth Meyers. Without St. John’s, I would not have made the lifelong connections or found the career path I am so passionate about today,” Mr. McGriff said.