Impacted by the years of service given by him, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) has heavy hearts in the passing of Francis “Frank” J. Morgan. Frank was often known as a businessman and philanthropist who served as President of the Quaker Oats Company from 1983 to 1991. He passed away peacefully on October 15, 2022, surrounded by his family. He was 97.
Born in New Haven, Connecticut, he moved to Bridgeport, Connecticut at an early age. Upon graduating high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served on the USS Piedmont, Storekeeper 3rd Class and served in the V-12 Officer Program at Yale University. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial engineering and business administration and completed the Program for Management Development (PMD) from the Harvard University Business School in 1966.
Throughout his life, he was very involved in his community and served with loyalty and dedication at the Quaker Oats Company, where he held many titles. Upon his retirement, Frank continued his involvement in the community, where he volunteered his time to serve on committees and nonprofit boards.
In addition to serving the community, Frank also gave a good amount of his time to SMWC. From 1987-1996 he served as a Board of Trustee member for the College. Throughout his time on the board, he supported the College in many ways.
Frank made history at The Woods. In 2021, he was honored as one of 38 Board of Trustee members inducted to the SMWC Athletic Hall of Fame. The trustees made the vital decision to create scholarship athletics beginning with the women’s basketball team and the softball team during the board terms of 1992-1993 and 1993-1994.
The Woods will forever be grateful for the time and service Frank provided during his time as a trustee member.