College Sports Information Directors of America

DES MOINES, IOWA - Paul Morrison, also known as Mr. Drake, celebrated his 90th birthday with his Drake family in the Morrison Room at the Drake Knapp Center Wednesday (July 25). The 1939 Drake graduate has been working with the University for more than 60 years.

"I don't feel like I'm 90," said Morrison, who serves as a consultant and historian for the Drake Athletic Department. "My philosophy has always been that I will stay as long as I can or until I become a burden."
After the crowd of more than 50 people sang "Happy Birthday," Morrison said, "Let's do it again next year."

Sandy Hatfield Clubb, athletic director, recalled moving to Drake and attending Morrison's 89th birthday. She thanked Morrison for being an icon for Drake and a model of leadership.

"Paul is such a unique man. He is great to work with," Hatfield Clubb said.

Morrison was recognized during the 50th anniversary of the College Sports Information Director's Workshop in San Diego, Calif., June 30. He is one of two members of CoSIDA who attended the very first workshop in Chicago, Ill., in 1957.

A 1939 graduate of Drake, Morrison joined the Drake staff in 1945 and served as director of the Drake News Bureau, sports information director and athletic business manager. Although he officially retired in 1986, he continues to give 40 to 50 hours of volunteer service at Drake every week while also traveling with the Drake football and basketball teams.

The longest serving member (since 1947) and secretary of the Drake Relays Executive Committee, Morrison co-authored a history of Drake athletics and a history of the Drake Relays.

He has received numerous awards, including the Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor given to Drake alumni; the D Club Service Award; and the Drake Medal of Service Award.

Morrison was inducted into the CoSIDA Hall of Fame in 1974 and received the first Missouri Valley Conference Award of Merit in 1997.

Drake President David Maxwell and Mrs. Madeleine Maxwell are planning to plant an oak tree this fall in his honor and put it on campus "so he can see it for the next 90 years," they wrote in a letter.

Morrison's dedication to the University shows through all that he does, said Brett Saddoris, director of marketing and promotion for athletics.

"Paul is the last one to say he needs a celebration like this," Saddoris said. "He earns this every day. He has worked so hard. He is a bulldog through and through. He is an asset to Drake. Every company should have a Paul Morrison."