Robert S. Morris is the founder and managing partner of Olympus Partners, a private equity fund manager based in Stamford, Conn.
"This munificent gift allows us to honor Hamilton's most accomplished and dedicated teaching scholars and to strengthen our commitment to academic excellence," said Eugene M. Tobin, Hamilton College president. "We are grateful for Rob's generous support of the college. It is a wonderful tribute to his parents, an important acknowledgment of the quality of our faculty, and a lasting benefit to future students."
After receiving his bachelor's degree in economics from Hamilton, Morris earned a master's degree from the Amos Tuck School at Dartmouth College in 1980. He held various management positions in General Electric (G.E.) manufacturing and financial services businesses, before being named senior vice president/general manager-private placements at G.E. Investment Corp. in 1983. In 1988 he founded Olympus Partners in Stamford, which now manages one billion dollars in private equity funds.
Morris said he is bestowing the gift named for his parents because "they were supportive, proud and excited about my attending Hamilton. I have the privilege of being able to recognize that support and love while they're still able to enjoy the honor."
As a senior at Hamilton, Morris was awarded the Senior Travelling Fellowship that enabled a student to perform research work on a project internationally. He received the Hadley S. DePuy Award for Outstanding Campus Service, was co-chair of the campus fund drive, a member of Delta Upsilon fraternity, chair of the Publication Board, a resident advisor, and writer for The Spectator. While at Hamilton, he also served as master of ceremonies for the Monday Morning Community Chapel, a program of humor and campus-wide information, and played varsity golf and baseball. Morris has been an active alumnus, most notably in assisting the college in managing its $340 million endowment. In addition, he has served as alumni fund volunteer, career center volunteer, vice-chair of the Major Gifts Committee, and as a member of the New Century Campaign Executive Committee.
Morris resides in Riverside, Conn., with his wife, Mary Helen, and their three children.
