Tribute held for Dr. Mable Morrison and her 62-year DSU career.

Members of the DSU community from the present and dating as far back as more than 60 years ago gathered at the Dr. William B. DeLauder E&H Theatre to celebrate the life and 62-year teaching career of Dr. Mable Morrison.

The April 23 event was a well-deserved tribute to Dr. Morrison, who concluded a six decade-plus music and piano teaching career that began in 1963 at then-Delaware State College until her retirement from Delaware State University at the end of 2024. 

Upon Dr. Morrison’s entrance into the theatre, the mass of present and past colleagues as well as former students rose out of their seats and showered her with a long standing ovation that reflected a collective profound respect, admiration, and love for her.

DSU President Tony Allen, who was joined on stage by his wife Tara, announced that the University’s Faculty Senate and the Board of Trustees both unanimously voted to award Dr. Morrison with the title of “Professor Emeritus.” “The opportunity to celebrate her in this way is a high honor, but it comes with a great responsibility, not for her, but for us to continue to carry her legacy,” Dr. Allen said.

Marty Denson, a recently retired Music Technology Specialist at DSU, served as the emcee for the program and noted that a running question among many at the University over the last few decades was how long Dr. Morrison would continue to teach. “That (question) is a testament to her strength, integrity, endurance, persistence and her determination,” Mr. Denson said. 

Dr. Irene Chapman-Hawkins, DSU Chief Administrative Officer and Vice President, reveal that Dr. Morrison 62-year tenure makes her the longest serving employee in the history of Delaware State University.

“Wisdom, knowledge, and articulation are the words that come to my mind when I think of Dr. Morrison,” Dr. Chapman-Hawkins. “I am sure that her students not only understood her but will have lasting memories of her dedication toward their understanding of piano, music and voice.” 

Former DSU President Wilma Mishoe noted that Dr. Morrison began her tenure under the leadership of her father, former DSC President Luna I. Mishoe. “You have demonstrated to every student and employee who has crossed your path what excellence and persistence, what dedication and support is really all about,” she said.

A proclamation from Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer and tribute letters from Sen. Chris Coons and Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester were read during the program in honor of Dr. Morrison.

There were also music performances by Rashawn King, pianist, and Jazmin Salaberios soprano – alumni and former students of Dr. Morrison – as well as from Charles Pettaway, Professor of Piano at Lincoln University (Pa.), and the DSU Concert Choir.

The tribute committee co-chairs were Guy Miller, Assistant Professor of Art, and Pepron Pilibossian, Lecturer and Collaborative Pianist, and they were joined by committee members music faculty member Christy Taylor, Vince Akins, Ellsworth Toliver, Carla Becker, and Interim Chair of the Department of Mass Communications, Visual and Performing Arts, Lori Crawford.