The importance of philanthropy was instilled into Harry S. Morton by his father, a 1933 graduate of Yale University. The lesson taught by Morton’s father was simply this: giving back to your alma mater is a display of gratitude for the successes and pleasures enjoyed due to the education received. Heeding his father’s advice, Morton has been an active annual supporter of Grove City College for decades as a demonstration of his appreciation for the instruction and preparation he received as a student.

 

Morton graduated from Grove City College in the spring of 1966 with a degree in mechanical engineering. Following graduation, he spent the next 14 years working in the oil industry as a Project Engineer. While employed by Mobil (now Exxon-Mobil), Morton was introduced to international commerce. His duties included travel to Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Germany, France, England, Holland, Spain, and the North Slope of Alaska. This first exposure to international work served as a great preparation for his 21-year career with Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. Prior to his retirement, Morton held the position of Director International Projects, which involved extensive travel and residency abroad. Morton greatly enjoyed the international scope of his work. Aside from the opportunity to travel to 20 countries and five continents (other than North America), Morton found pleasure in interacting with people from different cultures and experiencing the challenges and rewards of diverse languages, cultures and business practices. 

 

Regarding his alma mater, Morton is very proud of the fact that he graduated from Grove City College and believes that it is an elite institution today. Through various interactions with colleagues and coworkers, he felt that with his Grove City College education and experiences, he was able to “stay in the mix” with other engineers who graduated from top universities and had received advanced degrees.

 

Recently, Morton had the opportunity to return to campus and interact with current engineering students. Impressed by the College’s implementation of technology demonstrated through the laptop program, wireless access and online resources, Morton believes that students have a tremendous advantage with the incorporation of technology into higher education. Also encouraged by the quality and diligence of current students, he believes these are indications that Grove City College continues to be an institution of high status and excellence.

 

As an affirmation of alumni support, Morton believes that contributions from alumni to Grove City College are a testament to the exceptional quality and status of the school. He and his wife, Beverly, choose to support the College annually as an indication of gratitude for the great impact that Grove City College has had on Harry’s personal and vocational development. Following his father’s example, Morton recognizes the role that Grove City College played in his success, and seizes the opportunity to give back to his alma mater.