"I am proud to be a part of the caring alumni who enjoyed and benefited from their experience at the College,” Gillenwater said. “My contributions to Flagler College are just beginning. There is a long runway ahead.”
A Flagler Loyal Lion and supporter for more than 15 years, Gillenwater earned his BA in Political Science from Flagler College in 2009 before graduating from Stetson University’s College of Law. He is now a member of the Flagler College Founders Society.
Gillenwater chose Flagler for the close relationships fostered by small class sizes and engaged faculty, believing those shaping his education would have a personal stake in his success.
“I still have relationships with my professors now, 15 years later,” Gillenwater said. “My experience exceeded my expectations.”
Inspired by his student experience, Gillenwater began making philanthropic contributions to the College. In April 2024, he donated $25,000, plus a $1,000 jumpstart gift, to establish the Grant Gillenwater ’09 Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship supports first-generation students with demonstrated financial need who are studying Pre-law, History, or Political Science and have declared a pre-law minor. The gift is matched one-to-one through a grant from the William R. Kenan, Jr., Charitable Trust.
In April 2025, Gillenwater made a second major gift of $25,000 to support Flagler College’s historic preservation efforts by naming the Grant R. Gillenwater ’09 Fireplace at Ponce Hall in Birdcage West.
“As a building, Ponce Hall is the most tangible place at Flagler College. It is important to me to make sure that it is present for the next generation and that they get to enjoy it,” Gillenwater said. “Also, I chose that part of the building because, as a male student during the time I attended Flagler, we didn’t get to see personal spaces of the building because there was no inter-dorm visitation.”
As a student, Gillenwater was deeply involved in campus leadership. He served on the Student Judiciary Council and held several roles within the Student Government Association, advocating for student engagement, academic collaboration, and campus development.
“I wanted to be a voice for those who could not speak for themselves,” Gillenwater said.
He credits those experiences with shaping his decision to pursue a career in law. Today, Gillenwater continues to mentor Flagler students by speaking in classes, hosting seminars, and inviting students to observe courtroom trials.
“When I speak at various educational institutions and give seminars, I talk about the reality of a law-school education, the commitment it entails beyond law school, and to inform students about what the true application of law is in the real world,” Gillenwater said.
Gillenwater also invites students to observe proceedings firsthand. “They get to see all aspects: the good, the bad and the boring,” Gillenwater said. “I will meet with students for a question-and-answer session post-trial and post-visit so that they can formulate a better understanding of what this profession is like as they move in a direction that will shape their lives.”
Professionally, Gillenwater is a Senior National Trial Partner at Morgan & Morgan, while also serving his community through nonprofit leadership and arts sponsorship.
“Without the opportunities that Flagler College gave me, I would not be where I am today,” Gillenwater said. “I think about how there are future students out there who would not have this same opportunity without a helping hand and a step up. I want to continue to increase this current scholarship endowment and provide financial assistance to the College in any way I can whenever I am asked.”
