This award was established in 2010 and each year recognizes an exceptional campus trustee who is currently serving on the Board of an OFIC member college or university. The award honors Attorney Earl F. Morris, who was a Wittenberg University graduate, a founding partner of the law firm Porter, Wright, Morris, and Arthur. Mr. Morris was an early inductee into the OFIC Hall of Excellence and served OFIC for 41 remarkable years as a volunteer and valued member of the OFIC Board of Trustees. Nominations for the 2025 honoree are due by Monday, March 10, 2025.

Earl F. Morris Trustee Award

A Legacy Like No Other, About the Award’s Namesake:

Earl F. Morris

Earl F. Morris, Wittenberg University, Class of '30, lives in perpetuity as an individual whose tireless dedication to excellence personified the finest traditions and values of independent higher education. Through exemplary service to his cherished profession of law, his alma mater, the community, and government, his contributions and leadership touched the lives of many thousands of people from all walks of life. His total commitment to service knew no boundaries, as he gave with utmost generosity of his vision, wisdom, skills, and self.

He joined the corporate volunteers of OFIC in 1951, just after its incorporation in 1950, and was elected a Trustee in 1957, a position he held until his untimely death. Earl logged over 41 continuous years as a volunteer to the foundation—the longest continuous service in its history. He was always a participant, never just a bystander, in countless civic, educational, religious, and professional activities. To all of them, he brought the qualities of commitment, enthusiasm, intelligence, and industry that mark the true and effective leader.

Nominations Open for the 2025 Earl F. Morris Trustee Award

OFIC campus trustees are invited to recognize one of their college or university trustees who have demonstrated commitment and service above and beyond the norm to the guidance and betterment of the institution and its students.

Guidelines for Nomination

Nomination request to be sent to the president, chief advancement officer and chief marketing contact.

Nomination package from our member institutions must consist of:

  • Letter from the campus president including the nominee’s:

    • Commitment of time and effort to the work of the campus board of trustees over an extended period

    • Outstanding leadership in board effectiveness

    • Strong role in enhancing the academic and financial well-being of the campus

    • Evidence of a student-centered focus, acting as an ambassador for students from recruitment through graduation and beyond

    • Service characterized as above and beyond normal board service

  • Nominee’s one-page biography

  • Nominee’s high-resolution photo

Nomination Process

  • Nominations will be reviewed by the OFIC Executive Committee

  • Executive Committee will choose one honoree and alternates

  • The OFIC president will notify the campus president of their trustee’s selection

  • The campus president will notify the honoree and confirm their availability to attend the Awards Luncheon event on April 9, 2025, in Columbus at the Grand Event Center.

Selection Process

Nominations should be submitted via the form below or emailed to Tacarra Davis, Assistant to the President, by Monday, March 10, 2025.

Nomination Deadline

Recent Earl F. Morris Trustee Honorees

  • John "Jack" Newman

    Newman's extensive tenure of 29 years as an Ursuline College trustee and 14 years as its chair exemplifies his unwavering commitment and leadership. His strategic vision and forward-thinking approach were evident in his remarks during the acceptance speech, where he expressed deep gratitude, saying, "I am deeply honored to receive this award and to have had the opportunity to contribute to Ursuline College's growth and success over the years."

    Learn More

  • George Fenton

    As president of Fenton Art Glass and grandson of company founder Frank L. Fenton, George worked closely with other Fenton family members involved in all aspects of the company. With the organization since 1972, George served as foreman of the Decorating Department and manager of manufacturing before becoming president in 1986. He states, "I am most satisfied when I can contribute to solving a difficult production problem."

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  • Dr. Robert Head, III

    As a man of color who witnessed his campus go from a small percentage of students who were not white during his undergraduate years to a campus today that is nearly 50 percent diverse (mostly students who are African American and Hispanic), Dr. Head is actively participating in the success of young people that is so important to the success of our communities, our country, and our world.

    Learn More

Previous Honorees

2010 - Stanley Gault, The College of Wooster

2011 - George T. Boyer, Baldwin Wallace University, Charles Brickman, Denison University

2012 - William Evans, Otterbein University

2013 - John F. "Jack" Turben, Lake Erie College

2014 - Ruth Whitmore Williams, The College of Wooster

2015 - Dr. C. Richard Beckett, University of Findlay

2016 - Edward Diller, Bluffton University

2017 - Helen Crider Smith, Ohio Wesleyan University

2018 - John W. Kropf, Baldwin Wallace University

2019 - Elizabeth Juliano, Hiram College

2020 - No Program (Covid-19)

2021 - No Program (Covid-19)

2022 - Dr. Robert Head, III, Defiance College

2023 - George Fenton, Marietta College

2024 - John "Jack" Newman, Ursuline College

Questions?