Boise State Arts Supporter Velma Morrison Passes Away at 92

Longtime Boise State supporter and patron of the arts Velma Morrison passed away on June 20 at the age of 92. Her invaluable and long-lasting contribution to Boise State University will forever be embodied in the Velma V. Morrison Center for the Performing Arts on the north edge of campus. Morrison was a close partner with the university in developing and supporting the state-of-the-art venue.

Morrison Center Executive Director James Patrick said, "Velma V. Morrison was one of the great philanthropists in Boise's history. While her generosity has touched many lives and fields, her dedication to the arts stands out in particular. The Morrison Center is the culmination of her hard work and unflagging commitment. In it she not only brought Harry Morrison's dream to fruition, but also impacted the lives of artists and Boise citizens for generations to come. She was often quoted as saying, 'The Morrison Center was too right to be wrong,' and thanks to her fortitude Boise and Boise State University are now the location for Idaho's premier performing arts center. A great patron of the arts has been lost, but certainly will not be forgotten."

[Velma V. Morrison] "We are saddened by the loss of Velma Morrison, who was a true friend and supporter of the Boise State community," said Boise State President Bob Kustra. "She was like the guardian angel of the Morrison Center - she guided it and protected it and shepherded it so future generations could enjoy it and continue to learn from and be inspired by its productions."

Velma Morrison's extensive accomplishments included her work with the Harry W. Morrison Foundation, the namesake of her late husband, and the distribution of millions of dollars to various foundations and institutions throughout the state.

In recognition of her philanthropy and support, Boise State awarded Morrison a Silver Medallion in 1984, the university's highest recognition for service, and an honorary doctorate in 2010.

[Velma V. Morrison] In presenting the honorary doctorate, President Kustra noted Velma's far-reaching community and university support: "While her interests are broad, the relationship we enjoy in fostering the arts through the Morrison Center is among our university's most treasured partnerships. Her ambition and generosity have impacted countless lives and will continue to do so for years to come."
In April 1984, working closely with then Boise State President John Keiser, Morrison combined her husband's vision for a performing arts center in Boise with Boise State's need for a performing arts academic building. The Morrison Family Foundation donated $3.5 million to Boise State University to support the project, and the state legislature supplemented the donation. Today, the Morrison Center houses the departments of Music and Theatre Arts and hosts performance artists from around the world.

The Morrison Foundation also supported academic programs, including the College of Engineering. In 1999, the university dedicated the Harry W. Morrison Civil Engineering Building. In 2004, Velma was named an honorary lifetime member of the Boise State University Foundation, in recognition of her many years of service to higher education and Boise State University.

But it wasn't all just about education and the arts. Velma also was a hard-core Bronco fan.

"The last time I spoke with her, about three months ago, we talked mostly about how the football team was shaping up and how anxious she was to watch some games," Kustra said.

Need more Boise Theatre News in your life?
Sign up for all the news on the Summer season, discounts & more...