April 29, 2024
During the Installation of eighth President Dr. Eric Andrew Braun, Shawnee State University presented the Vernal G. Riffe Jr. Founder’s Medal to the family of the late Victor W. Morgan, Sr.
“As we celebrate community, it was really important and fitting that we honor contributions made by community members starting at the very beginning,” said SSU President Eric Andrew Braun during the award presentation. “As a business leader, Vic gave back to his community in many ways, and one vital way was through the commitment and investment in education.”
Victor W. Morgan Sr., entrepreneur and founder of Morgan Bros. Jewelers in Portsmouth, provided leadership as a Trustee to Shawnee State University at every stage of its development from its earliest beginnings. He served on the Board of Scioto County Technical Institute in 1970 which became the Scioto Technical College in 1973. He led efforts for that institution to merge with Ohio University-Portsmouth in 1975 to become Shawnee State General & Technical College. He then served a five-year term on the Board of Trustees for the newly formed Shawnee State Community College from 1877 through 1982. He returned to serve on the very first Board of Trustees of Shawnee State University in 1986, establishing it as Ohio’s youngest four-year university at the time.
“Everyone in southern Ohio knows Morgan Bros. Jewelers and the Morgan family name,” said President Braun. “The Morgans care about the community and their neighbors, and that is really the legacy that all started with Vic.”
During those years, his wife, Betty, shared his support of Shawnee State. Following Vic’s death, Betty and their Children, Willa (Tanner), Mark, Rick, and Amy (Fredrickson), along with their spouses – and now their children – continue to serve students in our region.
“Our dad was very passionate about schooling and education,” said Vic’s son Rick during the award presentation. “We learned that from a very young age. He was very proud of this university and we were very proud to have him as a father.”