Fund provides three $5,000 college scholarships to children of UAW Local 862 members or retirees
Honors Lewis Sexton, Kentucky labor leader and former president of UAW Local 862
LEXINGTON, Ky., Feb. 10, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Morris Industries is pleased to announce the second year of the Lewis Sexton Scholarship Fund. The fund is named in honor of Lewis Sexton, former president of UAW Local 862 and the grandfather of Nate Morris, founder and chairman of Morris Industries. In partnership with the Blue Grass Community Foundation, the fund provides three $5,000 college scholarships to children of UAW Local 862 members or retirees.
“For more than 50 years, Lewis Sexton has faithfully served the members and families of UAW Local 862,” says Morris, who is the Founder, Chairman and CEO of Rubicon Global, the worldwide leader in sustainable, cloud-based waste and recycling solutions. “My grandfather’s integrity and commitment to the community are incredibly inspiring.”
Sexton has been an influential union and labor voice in the commonwealth of Kentucky for more than six decades. He has been recognized nationally for his efforts and work on behalf of organized labor.
While serving in the U.S. Army as a tank commander, Sexton started his career at the Ford Motor Company on South Western Parkway in Louisville, Kentucky. Soon after, he discovered his interest in serving the members of UAW Local 862. He was elected to serve as the group’s bargaining committeeman in 1965. In 1971, Lewis became the first committeeman to be elected president and building chairman of UAW Local 862, a capacity in which he served for 10 years.
From 1966 to 2010, Sexton was a delegate to the UAW National Constitutional Convention. After his retirement, he was elected by the retired members to represent them on the UAW Local 862 Executive Board. He currently represents 5,000 retirees and surviving spouses.
In addition to his service at UAW Local 862, Sexton has supported the Fraternal Order of Police and served as a Jefferson County Deputy Sheriff. He has also worked with several charitable organizations, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, American Red Cross, Kosair Charities, United Way of Kentucky and Adopt A Child.
Morris is proud to continue his grandfather’s legacy through the Lewis Sexton Scholarship Fund, which furthers the education of children in his home state of Kentucky. 2016 scholarship winners include: Samantha Crawford, attending Western Kentucky University; Taylor Garrison, attending Bellarmine University; and Elliann Yocum, attending the University of Kentucky. Applications for 2017 are due March 15. To apply or learn more, please visit http://morrisindustries.com/lewissexton/.
About Morris Industries: Headquartered in Lexington, Ky., Morris Industries is a private holding company focused on applying technology to the industrial economy. Learn more at http://morrisindustries.com.