In recognition for his work both at Aquinas, and in the Grand Rapids community, Lyle B. Morrison '52 received an Honorary Doctor of Business at the 2011 Commencement ceremony. This honor was bestowed on Morrison as part of Aquinas’ 125th anniversary celebration.

“It’s probably the highest honor I’ve had,” said Morrison. "To be chosen for an honorary degree is truly special “It’s a remarkable thing for me and my family.”

In 1948, Morrison returned from his service in the armed forces, and within ten days decided that Aquinas was the right place for him. During his four years at Aquinas, he was a two-sport athlete, competing in both baseball and basketball, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

“I just thank God that after I got out of the service, I knew that I wanted to go to a Catholic College,” said Morrison. “At the time there were only 440 students, so it was a very close-knit group, which is what makes the Golden Saints [alumni who graduated over 50 years ago] so special.”

After graduation, Morrison entered the insurance business, where he continued his involvement with Aquinas, and within the community.

“I have been very close to the college since graduation,” said Morrison. “I want to help the college in any way to grow, I want to see it become one of the finest small colleges, not only in the mid-west, but in the country.”

Morrison served as the President of the Alumni Association in 1953 and 1968, and was the Chairperson of the Alumni Advance Gift Campaign in 1967. In 1970 he earned the Outstanding Alumni Award, and the Distinguished Service Award a year later. In 2008, Morrison was inducted into the Aquinas Hall of Fame and in recognition of nine years on the Board, was named a Trustee Emeritus. More recently, Morrison has earned his own wing, the Lyle Morrison Learning Hall on the second floor of the new Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center, due to his generous contributions.

“Whatever I’ve done for Aquinas is a pay-back to the whole Dominican Order,” said Morrison. “Not only for the sisters, but the priests that were there during my time, and also the outstanding faculty who helped me in every single way.”

Morrison is also being recognized for his tremendous work within the Grand Rapids community. An active parishioner at the Immaculate Heart of Mary, he was significant in the establishment of the Parish Family Center. Morrison is also a firm supporter of the Grand Rapids education system, and held an influential role in the Development Council of Catholic Secondary Schools, for which he was later inducted into the Catholic Secondary Schools’ hall of Fame.

Morrison has also supported the Kent County Muscular Dystrophy Association, the United Way, Kent County Cancer Society, and Killgoar Foundation. He served on the Founding Board of Trustees of Grand Rapids Community College as well as the Board of Directors for the Circle Theater.

“I just feel tremendously honored, it’s a dream that anybody should have to get an honorary degree from their alma mater, and especially with my granddaughter [who is currently a freshman at Aquinas], it’s just overwhelming,” said Morrison. “I can’t thank enough the Dominican Sisters and Brothers for the extraordinary experience that I had.”