Craig Drinkard to Receive Honorary Degree and Deliver Remarks at Drew University’s 2025 Commencement

An honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree will be conferred to Victoria Foundation Executive Officer Craig Drinkard, who will also deliver remarks at the Drew Theological School's and Caspersen School of Graduate Studies' graduation ceremony at the University's 157th commencement exercises on Saturday, May 17. This award recognizes his significant contributions to the community (especially his hometown of Newark, NJ), dedication to empowering others, and long career as a nonprofit leader. Drinkard has been with Victoria Foundation for nearly 20 years in various roles and has served as executive officer since 2022.

"I am humbled that I have been chosen for such a prestigious distinction," said Drinkard. "It is an honor to receive this honorary doctorate and to speak to the Class of 2025 – the future leaders of tomorrow who will make an impact on their communities, state, country, and the world."

Founded in 1924, Victoria Foundation is a private foundation based in Newark, NJ, with an endowment of $340 million. Since 1964, it has focused most of its resources on children and families living in Newark, with grants totaling nearly $400 million. The foundation's strategic framework focuses its grantmaking, investments, and relationships on addressing systemic causes of generational poverty in the city by focusing on strengthening community power, fostering economic justice, promoting youth self-determination, and responding to pressing needs.

Drinkard joined Victoria Foundation in 2006 as a program officer and launched the foundation's Capacity Building Initiative, aimed at improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the non-profit sector in Newark while leading its economic development grantmaking investments. In 2011, he was promoted to senior program officer and continued to rise up the ranks due to his work realigning the organization's grantmaking strategies, particularly in the areas of community and economic development, education, and youth and family development. Drinkard was promoted to associate director in 2017, deputy director in 2019, and co-executive officer in 2021 before being named executive officer in 2022. He continues to play a leading role at the foundation, working with trustees, staff, and consultants to develop the new Thriving Neighborhoods Initiative strategic framework, as well as ensuring that the foundation stays true to its mission statement and organizational values.

In addition to working at Victoria Foundation, Drinkard serves on the board of several nonprofit and philanthropic organizations. He is an active field-builder and connector in philanthropy, participating in numerous fellowships such as The Neighborhood Funders Group/Aspen Institute's Philanthropy Forward: Leadership for Change Fellowship for national leaders who center racial and gender justice and community building power building to disrupt and transform the future of philanthropy, The Justice Funders' Maestra Program, and the inaugural class of the Council on Foundation's Career Pathways program.

Drinkard was born and raised in Newark and educated in the Newark Public Schools. He grew up in one of the underserved neighborhoods the foundation serves, and he and his family often faced the hardships that come with living in a low-income household. As a youth, Drinkard attended many programs in the city that were funded by Victoria Foundation.

"Coming from a community that was – unbeknownst to me – supported by programs that Victoria funded, such as the Boys and Girls Club, New Community Corporation, and Unified Vailsburg Services Organization, provided me with great opportunities to grow and become who I am today. So, in my role at the foundation, I feel responsible to give back to the community I grew up in."

He added, "I spend a lot of time going back to my old neighborhoods, trying to stay rooted and connected to what's happening on the ground. There's been some progress, but not enough in those neighborhoods. That's what drives me. It reminds me why this work is important and why this work really matters. It's about the people in the community –listening to them and giving them the opportunity to fulfill the things that they want to see in their community."

Drinkard went on to receive a bachelor's degree in business finance from Bloomfield College and a Master of Business Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

When asked if he had any advice for the Class of 2025, Drinkard said he wanted to remind the graduates that they have the power to make a lasting impact.

"When graduates find themselves in certain roles and get promoted or have these opportunities, it's not because you've done something great," he said. "It's about getting you ready to do something even greater than what you've already done. I want to remind people that we are living in unprecedented times. As students of history and theology, there are ample examples of how we have to use the power that we've been bestowed to take on big challenges."

For more information about Victoria Foundation, visit www.VictoriaFoundation.org.