Within the Griswold Internship Program, our mission is to foster the symbiotic growth of businesses and aspiring professionals by delivering innovative and effective solutions. We are dedicated to empowering businesses to thrive in a dynamic market landscape through the infusion of cutting-edge research and strategic insights.
Our commitment extends to providing students with a transformative hands-on industry experience that transcends traditional learning boundaries. By bridging the gap between academia and real-world challenges, we aim to cultivate a new generation of professionals who not only understand the intricacies of the business world but also possess the skills and mindset to drive positive change. We believe in the power of collaboration, where the intersection of diverse perspectives and ideas sparks creativity and resilience.
Through mentorship, practical projects, and exposure to real-world business scenarios, our internship program seeks to equip students with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of the professional realm. The Griswold Internship Program envisions a future where businesses thrive on the strength of innovative solutions, and professionals excel through a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. We strive to be a catalyst for success, shaping the leaders and problem-solvers of tomorrow while contributing to the prosperity and sustainability of businesses today.
Gary Griswold (MSIA ’68) and his wife, Mickie, have funded the Griswold Undergraduate Research Internships. Select Daniels School undergraduate students from the Honors College or Larsen Leaders Academy work on projects for corporate clients through the paid internship program.
In addition to the projects, Griswold Interns participate in seminars learning about intellectual property, project management and other relevant subjects.
Gary Griswold participated in undergraduate research as a student and understands the transformative effect applying knowledge outside the classroom can have. “It’s often difficult for young students to know exactly what they want to do in their careers,” he says. “Hands-on experiences, such as these internships, can serve as a navigational tool to point them in the right direction.”
During his 34-year career with DuPont and 3M Company, Gary practiced intellectual property law. In 2008, he retired from 3M as the chief intellectual property counsel. As chair of the Coalition for 21st Century Patent Reform, Gary played an instrumental role in the passage of the America Invents Act, which was signed into law by President Obama in 2011. He was also a member of the U.S. Secretary of Commerce's Industry Functional Advisory Committee on Intellectual Property Rights for Trade Policy Matters.
Gary, a fellow of the American Intellectual Property Law Association, was recognized in 2019 with the Iowa State University (ISU) Alumni Association's Distinguished Alumni Award. In 2014 he was inducted into the IAM Intellectual Property Hall of Fame. Gary earned a BS in chemical engineering from ISU in 1967 and a JD from the University of Maryland in 1972. Gary's wife, Mickie, is a retired registered medical technologist and the owner of Griswold Farms. She earned a degree from the University of Nebraska.
