Bill Text: VA SR69 | 2022 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of Morris H. Morgan III.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2022-03-11 - Bill text as passed Senate (SR69ER) [SR69 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2022-SR69-Introduced.html
WHEREAS, Morris H. Morgan III, esteemed professor of environmental engineering at Hampton University and a beloved member of the Hampton Roads community, died on February 25, 2022; and
WHEREAS, after graduating from Cedar Hill High School in Cedartown, Georgia, Morris Morgan attended Vanderbilt University as a member of its second class of African American students, earning a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering in 1969 at the age of 19; and
WHEREAS, Morris Morgan subsequently received a master's degree in chemical engineering from the University of Dayton and became the second African American to receive a doctoral degree in chemical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in 1978; and
WHEREAS, after briefly conducting research at General Electric, Morris Morgan returned to RPI as the first tenured African American professor in the engineering school's history; and
WHEREAS, Morris Morgan joined Hampton University in 1996 as a professor and chair of the environmental engineering department and then served from 1998 to 2003 as the second dean of the Hampton University School of Engineering and Technology, during which time he secured funding for various initiatives to enhance the institution's facilities and programs; and
WHEREAS, throughout his career, Morris Morgan published 96 research articles and six book chapters while acquiring four patents and in 2008 was a candidate for the Virginia Outstanding Scientist Award for his research in fluid-particle systems; and
WHEREAS, a treasured mentor who advised several students in their pursuits of master's and doctoral degrees, Morris Morgan was recognized with a plethora of accolades and awards over his career, including Vanderbilt University's Legacy Award in 2015; and
WHEREAS, an avid and accomplished athlete throughout his life, Morris Morgan helped set the Cedar Hill High School 4x100 meter record in 1965, which stood for over 40 years, won awards in local road races while studying at RPI, and competed in the Virginia Senior Games and triathlons in his later years; and
WHEREAS, guided throughout his life by his faith, Morris Morgan enjoyed worship and fellowship with his community at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, where he served as a deacon; and
WHEREAS, Morris Morgan will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his loving wife of 52 years, Carolyn; his children, Eric and Kristin; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of Morris H. Morgan III, a respected professor of engineering whose dedication to teaching and research was an inspiration to many; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Morris H. Morgan III as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's respect for his memory.
