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In Memoriam

Jesuit Father Michael G. Morrison died on May 24, 2018, at St. Camillus, in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. He was 81 years old, a Jesuit for 62 years, and a priest for almost 50 years.

Born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on March 9, 1937, Fr. Morrison attended grade school and high school in Green Bay before entering the Society on Aug. 8, 1955. He had the usual Jesuit course of studies – novitiate in Oshkosh, Wisconsin; juniorate in Grand Coteau, Louisiana; philosophy in St. Louis; and theology in St. Marys, Kansas and St. Louis.

He was ordained on June 6, 1968, made tertianship in St. Paul, Minnesota; and pronounced his final vows on Feb. 2, 1976. He was awarded a Ph.D. in American History by the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1971.

Fr. Morrison did regency at Creighton Prep in Omaha, Nebraska. Almost all his years of active ministry after doctoral studies were devoted to the ministry of higher education. From 1971 to 1977, Fr. Morrison taught history and began his time as administrator at Marquette University in Milwaukee.

From 1977 to 1981 he taught history and served as academic vice president at Creighton University in Omaha. In 1981 he became president of Creighton University and had a major impact on that university over the next 19 years.

After his retirement as president in 2000, Fr. Morrison spent a few years in retreat ministry at the Oshkosh Jesuit Retreat House but soon returned to university teaching. From 2003 to 2009 he taught history at Marquette University and Creighton University. Declining health led to his moving to St. Camillus in 2009.

Fr. Morrison was a respected administrator and a familiar figure to thousands of Creighton students who remember him occupying his favorite bench on campus. He served on numerous boards and was a province consultor for many years. All his life he was a voracious reader. May the good Lord welcome him to the fullness of life in his presence.

 

Click here to read A Jesuit’s Journey reflection by Fr. Morrison on his life’s ministry.