Baylor Mourns Loss of Alumnus Who Exemplified Baylor Spirit and Tradition
Lucian Morehead (wearing Baylor cap) received a plaque in August from Baylor University recognizing his generous support of the university, particularly the athletic department. Family members at the event included Cole Morehead, great-grandson, holding the plaque and Courtney Morehead holding great-grandson Hudson Morehead. Others in the photo are Dot Pope (standing, left), Peggy Miller, granddaughter Katy Manninen, daughter Lucinda Morehead Garrett; daughter-in-law Eliza Morehead; Susan Buzbee; Ian McCaw, Baylor's athletic director, (back left); Bobby Witt, great-grandson; Brian Sorahan, Lucian K Morehead, grandson; and Susan Sorahan, great-granddaughter. A granddaughter and her husband, Lucinda and Bob Ivy, and a great-granddaughter, Lora Ivy, were unable to attend. (Identification courtesy of the Plainview Herald)
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A true friend and passionate supporter of Baylor University, the passing of Lucian Edward Morehead of Austin, Texas, is a loss to the entire Baylor community. Morehead passed away on Sept. 23, 2010, at the age of 99, but whose legacy of philanthropy and dedication will live on, as evidenced throughout Baylor's campus.
Though Morehead's name was never on a building, the remarkable stories from the past eight decades depict a generous man who was grounded by love for his alma mater. After his graduation from Baylor University in 1930 with a bachelor of arts degree, Morehead made frequent trips to Waco to support the football team, as well as other Baylor athletic events. Seventy years later, the tables were turned when a couple of Baylor officials drove to Austin to present a bronze plaque to him and recognize his generosity to Baylor throughout the years.
"A faithful fan and visionary, Mr. Morehead valued Baylor University and saw the need for Baylor to have a top athletic program," said Ian McCaw, Baylor's director of athletics. "More than being a longtime football season ticket holder and a fervent spectator at various sporting events, he also humbly held the place as one of the leading donors to Baylor athletic endowment. The impact of his contributions will continue to prosper in Baylor athletics--and we are truly grateful."
Beyond attending Baylor's athletic events and faithfully staying up-to-date with Baylor athletics by having his great-granddaughter read the Waco Tribune-Herald to him, Morehead established the Lucian E. Morehead Endowed Athletic Scholarship, funded an assistant coach's office at Baylor's Lt. Jack Whetsel Jr. Basketball Practice Facility, established a charitable gift annuity benefiting Baylor athletics and has contributed to the excellence fund for every single Baylor sport. A member of the Endowed Scholarship Society, the Old Main Society, the 1845 Society and Baylor Bear Foundation, Morehead's support also extended to the Guardian Angels at Armstrong Browning Library.
One of only 50 people to be honored as a member of Legacy Legends, a program developed this year to recognize donors who have put Baylor athletics in their estate plans, Morehead, a former attorney in Plainview, Texas, embodied Baylor spirit and gave generously -- and gave often -- to perpetuate the university's rich tradition of athletic and academic excellence. It was a commitment of giving to Baylor that carried through to his very last days -- when he rallied behind The President's Scholarship Initiative by making a gift to his scholarship fund. Exemplifying his deep love for that Good Old Baylor Line, Morehead would even return his football season tickets so they could be distributed to fill the stands at games he could not attend.
Morehead, preceded in death by his beloved wife, Audrey, who passed away in 1993, and his son, John, in 2009, lived a tremendous life. Morehead was friends with some of the Baylor basketball players who are remembered as the Immortal Ten and a member of the first class to use Waco Hall. He watched 13 different head football coaches stand on the sidelines and eight Baylor presidents, from Samuel Palmer Brooks to Ken Starr, take the charge to better Baylor University.
Earning his juris doctorate degree from the University of Texas in 1935, Morehead diligently served his community in Plainview by practicing law for more than 65 years before retiring to Austin in 2002. An active servant leader, Morehead's legacy will carry on through future generations of Baylor students who benefit from his foresight and generosity, as well as through his daughter, Lucinda Morehead Garrett, and his numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
A funeral service was held Sept. 28 at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Plainview, where he was an active member.
Media contact: Lori Fogleman, director of media communications, (254) 710-6275