Laura and Steven Morris Establish Honors Scholarship at UT
April 25, 2008
KNOXVILLE -- As college students in the late 1970s, Steve Morris and Laura Capps never dreamed that they would be in a position to make such a positive impact on their alma mater.
By establishing the M. Steven and Laura Capps Morris Honors Scholarship, they will impact the future of students and the university for years to come.
Their gift is part of the Campaign for Tennessee, a $1 billion fundraising effort that was officially launched on April 17 at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
The Morris scholarship was created in partnership with the university's premier scholarship effort created last year by UT benefactors Jim and Natalie and Jimmy and Dee Haslam. The Haslam Family Scholars Program Endowment will provide each Haslam Scholar with a laptop, a study-abroad stipend, and other benefits, while individual scholarships, such as the Morris Honors Scholarship, will provide funding to recruit the brightest students.
The Morrises also established the M. Steven and Laura Capps Morris Excellence Fund benefiting the Thornton Center, which promotes academic success for the university's student athletes.
"We love UT. It's as simple as that," explained Laura Morris, who currently chairs UT's Alliance of Women Philanthropists Executive Board. "We want to do everything we can to encourage students' success and enrich their collegiate experience; we hope our gifts will enhance the academic reputation of the university that has meant so much to us."
Both Steven and Laura balanced work while pursuing their degrees; Steven earned his bachelor's degree is psychology followed by a master's degree in education. Laura earned her bachelor's degree in human development while juggling demands of being a Lady Vol swimmer.
Today, Steven Morris is vice president and chief operating officer for UPS's Tennessee district. Laura has a professional and volunteer career in the not-for-profit sector. Residing in Franklin, Tenn., both have generously dedicated their time and money to charities in the Nashville area, and their commitment to the University of Tennessee and its students is unquestionable.
The Campaign for Tennessee -- the most ambitious effort in the university’s 214-year history -- places UT among the ranks of the nation’s largest public and private institutions that have sought this level of private support.
The campaign, which launched its silent phase in 2005, will secure private gifts that, in turn, will contribute substantially to the distinct, but linked, campuses comprised by the University of Tennessee system. Funds raised through the campaign will directly support the objectives of UT's strategic plan, as outlined by UT President John Petersen. Among those objectives are improved student access and success, research and economic development, outreach and globalization.
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Contacts:
Kristi Hintz, media relations, khintz@utk.edu
Beth Gladden, UT media relations, (865) 974-9008, beth.gladden@tennessee.edu
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