Lonny D. Morrison, a Cameron graduate who was named Distinguished Alumnus in 2014, will deliver the commencement address to the Cameron University Class of 2021. He will speak at both commencement ceremonies, slated for Friday, May 7, and Saturday, May 8, at 7:30 p.m. at Cameron Stadium.
Following Morrison’s address, Cameron’s 2021 graduates will receive their diplomas. A fireworks display will conclude each ceremony. The dual ceremonies will celebrate students who completed their degree requirements in December 2020 or who will complete requirements in May, July or December 2021.
“Lonny D. Morrison is the epitome of a successfully Cameron Aggie,” says Cameron President John McArthur. “From oil rigs to courtrooms, he applied an unstoppable work ethic and a discerning business acumen to emerge as a business leader, a community servant, and a role model for Cameron University’s Class of 2021.”
Arriving at Cameron State Agricultural College in 1960, Morrison excelled both on the football field and in the classroom. He served as class president, ROTC company commander, a member of the student senate and captain of the football team. After receiving an Associate in Arts degree from Cameron in 1962, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Washburn University, an M.B.A. from Oklahoma State University and his law degree from the University of Texas.
A member of Cameron’s 1961 national junior college champions, Morrison was instrumental in the establishment of the Endowed Scholarship of the 1961 Junior Rose Bowl and National Championship Football Team. First awarded in 2012, the scholarship helps Cameron athletes who have exhausted their NCAA eligibility to continue toward their degrees. He continues to actively support the university as a member of the CU President’s Partners organization.
Morrison became a highly successful attorney with his own firm, Morrison and Shelton. He has twice been recognized by the State Bar of Texas with its Presidents’ Award, the highest honor given for exemplary service in that state. Last year, Morrison was recognized by the Texas Bar Foundation with its Outstanding 50-Year Lawyer Award, which honors attorneys whose lengthy practice adheres to the highest principles and traditions of the legal profession.
He is a former president of the State Bar of Texas, principal draftsman of the Texas Rules of Disciplinary Procedure, and the first chair of the Texas Commission for Lawyer Discipline. He is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, the Texas Bar Foundation, and the American Bar Association.
Retiring from his law practice in 2006, Morrison continues to be active in ranching, the oil and gas industry, and as an entrepreneur. He operates Testa Rossa Ranch, Ltd. and Offenhauser Oil & Gas, LLC, an exploration company.
Morrison and his wife, Dottie, who is also an attorney, live in Wichita Falls, Texas.
Due to social distancing limitations, date-specific, color-coded wristbands will be required for graduates and guests to enter the stadium. Each graduate is allowed up to six guests. Children under age 6 are not required to have wristbands and do not count toward guest limitations. However, they must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Wristbands will not be valid for both ceremonies. They may be used only on the designated night.
For more information on Cameron University’s May 7-8 commencement ceremonies, go to https://www.cameron.edu/commencement.
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PR# 21-042
