Morris documentary premieres in Belin Chapel

More than 100 family members and friends gathered with Stewart and Joella Morris, longtime supporters of the University, in Belin Chapel on Feb. 22 to celebrate the premiere of a documentary on the couple’s life and the impact they have had on the University.

The 90-minute documentary, “Pulling Together,” summarizes the lives of the couple and highlights key moments — from their childhoods to marriage and their hand in the development of the greater Houston area, including the founding and expansion of the University.

Lisa Morris Simon, the Morris’s youngest daughter, organized the documentary in order to both honor her parents and provide a documented history of their lives. “It’s not just about them,” she said. “It’s a treasure for our generation and the next.”

Several interviews with close friends, in addition to those with the Stewart and Joella Morris, conducted in the last year are featured in the film, which also showcases historic photos from different eras in the couple’s lives.

President Robert B. Sloan Jr., who attended the premiere and dinner that preceded the event, said the documentary caused him to think about doing something similar for his children and grandchildren. “I think all of us should do something like this for our kids and grand kids,” he said. “It is nice for families to have histories of their ancestors recorded.”

Other individuals who appeared in the documentary include several University students, Ed Young, pastor of Second Baptist Church, and Dr. Doug Hodo, president emeritus.

Stewart Morris said he was impressed by the number of people entrusted with the creation of the film and added that he is glad the film highlights the best parts of his life. “I worked with a fantastic group of people,” he said of the process of recording the interviews. “The world turns on personalities, not on contracts and not on legal documents.”