Texas A&M University’s oldest living graduate – Tom C. “Ike” Morris — turns 107 today and it’s an event that is giving a big Aggie thumbs-up to former students across the globe.
Morris, a native of Waxahachie, south of Dallas, graduated from Texas A&M in 1933 and was on the school’s track team, and school representatives recently presented him with a track baton during a birthday celebration in San Antonio.
He worked five different jobs while in school to help pay for expenses during the depths of the Great Depression. Morris and a friend, a fellow named Earl Rudder, often served as table waiters in the athletic dining room. Rudder would go on to become a legendary general in World War II and Texas A&M president in 1959 during which he guided the school through some of its most historic events.
After graduation, Morris entered the military and had a remarkable record himself, including serving on D-Day plus 1 on Omaha Beach and the Battle of the Bulge.
In 2015, Morris was presented the French Legion of Honor for his service in World War II as a member of the 2nd Infantry Division. The Legion of Honor is France’s highest distinction and was created to honor extraordinary contributions to the country.
While at Texas A&M, Morris was on a committee to design the iconic Aggie ring, and it was he who recommended that only seniors could purchase it. The Aggie ring has a special place in Morris’ heart – so much so that he made a gift to The Association of Former Students that established the Aggie Ring Scholarship to help students purchase their prized ring.
For more about Morris, visit tx.ag/IkeMorris33.
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Contact: Keith Randall, News & Information Services, at (979) 845-4644 or [email protected]
