Muhlenberg Receives $1M Gift to Name Jeff Morris ’82 Field
On Saturday, the community gathered during halftime of the men’s soccer game to dedicate the home soccer and women’s lacrosse field to Morris, a goalkeeper and captain at Muhlenberg who went on to build a distinguished career around soccer.By: Meghan Kita Tuesday, October 21, 2025 03:57 PM
Vice President for Advancement Rebekkah Brown ’99, Rick Morris, Jeff Morris ’82, Jim Pezzi, M.D. ’82, Rob Morris, and President Kathleen Harring with the plaque outside Jeff Morris ’82 Field. Photos by Joe Romano ’23On Saturday, October 18, 50 guests, including 21 alumni, came to campus for the dedication of Jeff Morris ’82 Field. It took place at halftime of the undefeated men’s soccer team’s matchup against Washington College, which would end in a 0-0 tie. Jeff’s oldest brother, Robert, along with his wife, Mary Helen Morris, made a $1 million gift to Muhlenberg to name the field on the northwest end of campus, which was renovated in 2023. Morris Field serves as home for the men’s soccer, women’s soccer, and women’s lacrosse teams.
“This honor has little to do with me, and a lot to do with everyone here,” Jeff said at the dedication. “The whole journey I’ve been on for almost 40 years has been about creating a soccer environment for kids to enjoy the game. We don’t have to go to the Olympics or win a World Cup. We just have to have kids playing sports, boys and girls — learning respect, responsibility, and many other lessons.”
Jeff Morris ’82 speaks during the field dedication.
At Muhlenberg, Jeff was an accounting and business administration double major, a goalkeeper and captain on the soccer team, and a brother in Tau Kappa Epsilon. After college, Jeff pursued his passion for soccer abroad. Playing overseas in Germany, Costa Rica, Belize, and Ecuador had a significant impact on Jeff and lit a fire that lasted a lifetime.
After coaching at several high schools and universities (including Villanova University, Haverford College, Radnor High School, Harriton High School, and Episcopal Academy) and for the Olympic Development Program, Jeff provided soccer programs in several developing countries and low-income neighborhoods in Pennsylvania. Founding the World Cup Sports Academy in 1994 and Central League Soccer in 2012 led to a soccer platform that now serves tens of thousands of new players each year.
Jeff is facing a very difficult cancer prognosis. With no cure available, Jeff is looking at ways to leave an appropriate legacy. Rob reached out to Muhlenberg, a place Jeff had described to him as “a little bit like the ‘Cheers’ bar, where everyone knows your name,” to discuss a gift in Jeff’s honor.
“[Jeff’s] entire professional life, he’s built upon his soccer legacy, which started when he was in high school or junior high school and continued at Muhlenberg,” says Rob, who is CEO and founder of Olympus Partners, a private equity firm in Stamford, Connecticut. “He’s still very close buddies with many of the people who were teammates of his who graduated both behind and ahead of him. Muhlenberg seemed like a great place to try to do something in Jeff’s honor while he is still here. He’s always been proud, justifiably, of his Muhlenberg degree and experiences.”
From left, Vice President for College Life Kimberly Guyer, Director of Athletics Lynn Tubman, President Kathleen Harring, Jeff Morris ’82, Rob Morris, student-athletes, Jim Pezzi, M.D. ’82, Rick Morris, and Vice President for Advancement Rebekkah Brown ’99 at the halftime ceremony.
“We are so proud that Jeff turned his athletic passion into a career by helping young people translate their love for the game into tangible skills and opportunities,” says President Kathleen Harring. “This field now serves as a lasting tribute, inspiring us to embody what it means to be a dedicated coach, mentor, and Mule.”
Vice President for Advancement Rebekkah Brown ’99 worked closely with the Morris family to bring the field dedication to fruition. “It is the most beautiful and heartbreaking gift I’ve ever worked on,” Brown says. “Rob’s interest in doing something so meaningful for Jeff and Jeff’s genuine appreciation for this monumental gesture has been touching to witness. It was an honor to be a part of this special day for the family and for Muhlenberg.”
Speakers at the dedication included Harring, Jeff, and Jeff’s close friend and teammate, Jim Pezzi, M.D. ’82.
“Jeff is a dear friend to so many of us and one of the finest human beings I’ve ever known,” Pezzi said at the event. “This field stands as a lasting tribute to a man who taught us what it means to compete passionately, live fully, and care deeply.”
