By Scott Harvey
Commerce – Approximately 400 people gathered Saturday in Commerce to celebrate the life of Dr. Jerry Morris, President Emeritus at Texas A&M University-Commerce.
The memorial service was held at First United Methodist Church in Commerce. Morris, the ninth president at A&M-Commerce, died last month following a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 73.
Among those who spoke at the event were his son Neil, Former Chancellor of the A&M-System Barry Thompson, and the tenth President of A&M-Commerce Dr. Keith McFarland.
Dr. Morris' career in Commerce began in 1970. He served as president and CEO from 1987-1997, during which time he spearheaded the drive to become a member of The Texas A&M University System. He was later named president emeritus by the A&M System Board of Regents.
Morris is survived by his wife, Marilyn, and four children: Joseph, Neil, Laura, and Kara. There is an endowed scholarship in the name of Jerry and Marilyn Morris; anyone interested in making a memorial contribution to the A&M-Commerce Foundation can contact Glenda Anderson, Director of Advancement Services at 903-468-3020.