Brent Morris decided to celebrate his 25th by opening doors for students.
Most folks receive gifts on their 25th anniversaries; Brent Morris decided to give one.
The president of Gas King Oil Co. Ltd., long a supporter of Lethbridge College, is making a substantial donation toward the final $1 million of its Kodiak House student residence project.
“We thought it fitting, as we are marking 25 years in business this year, to celebrate by giving $25,000 to the college,” says Morris. “I’m not an alumnus, but I’ve always been interested in what the college is doing for the community. Many of my buddies went there, and we employ students as part-timers.”
In 2004, Lethbridge College was planning its first Spaghetti Western fundraising evening. Tony Rose of Coco Pazzo Italian Café, Morris’s brother-in-law, roped him into serving on the organizing committee. It was just a taste, but Morris was hooked. He’s helped organize the Spaghetti Westerns since, and served on the college’s foundation board for three years, all while growing his own business.
Morris’s parents, Don and Georgia Morris, founded a bulk fuel business in Shaughnessy in 1960. Don and Brent diversified into the retail fuel business in Lethbridge in 1985 with Gas King. The firm now owns four stations in Lethbridge and one each in Picture Butte and Medicine Hat, and also operates under the brands Crown Car Wash and SnacKing Convenience Stores.
Morris is pleased his donation will help the college complete funding for its newest residence.
“The residence will allow more students from outside the area to attend Lethbridge College, students who will buy locally,” says Morris. “Plus, we wind up with an educated work force once they graduate.”
Total cost of Kodiak House is $13.5 million. The remaining $12.5 million came from the college’s reserves, a government loan and a $2-million contribution from the city, part of its initiative to create affordable housing.
The college is a major driver of the region’s economy, contributing some $380 million annually.
For more information on the Kodiak House campaign, call the Lethbridge College Development Office at 403 320-3457.
