Move by new superintendent is nod to Fishburne’s past
With the installation of COL Gary R. Morrison (VA) as Fishburne’s 12th Superintendent, all eyes are firmly fixed on the future. All eyes, that is, except for Morrison’s. For him, the past gets equal attention.
While Morrison is dedicating himself to improving the school’s physical plant, building stronger ties to the local community and securing Fishburne’s long-term financial stability, he is also keenly aware of the school’s rich history and is devoted to not only preserving traditions but also to reviving them.
Morrison’s first official act may, at first blush, seem to be a simple matter of housekeeping; but to Alumni, Staff and Cadets it is a resounding defense of FMS’ heritage. The office that he will call home is not the modern facility which has housed the school’s top administrator since 1996. Instead, Alumni stopping in to visit the new Superintendent may flash back to their own cadetships and those tense moments spent waiting to explain themselves to Col. Childs or they may remember fondly the days when they sought guidance from likes of Col. Young.
The room itself, part of the original 1882 Fishburne home, was the Founder’s office for nearly 40 years and, when the Alumni Memorial Building, which encapsulated the original house, was constructed in 1940 it became home to all heads of school but one for the next 56 years.
“We couldn’t be more pleased that [COL Morrison] has chosen to honor Fishburne’s heritage by moving into the traditional Superintendent’s office,” said Ted Moroney ’73, President of FHEF. “Given his solid credentials, we knew that the future of our school was in great hands . . . it’s comforting to know that he’ll also be a protector of our traditions.”
For Morrison, this return to Professor Fishburne’s office (in what was then known as room #9) wasn’t so much a decision to be taken as it was a responsibility that came with the job . . . although the symbolism isn’t lost on him either. “Essentially, serving in that office will be a constant reminder to me that I’ve got to be the parent to about 150 young men whose own parents have entrusted us with that responsibility,” Morrison explained, “and that I must also work to protect the traditions, the history and the memories of all our Alumni.”
As a former Cadet, Instructor, Admissions Director and Alumnus of the Year, Morrison’s dedication to the school has been clearly evident to those in the know. Debbie Todd, Director of Alumni Affairs, noted, “We’re all so excited to have [COL Morrison] here on campus again . . . if anyone bleeds Garnet and Gold, it’s him. It just seems fitting to have him in that office.”
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