50th Reunion

Chase Morsey
After graduation went to work for IBM. Attended sales school in Endicott, N.Y. and upon completion assigned to New Haven, CT. office. Drafted in fall of 1942. Started basic training at Jefferson Barracks, Mo. Two weeks later transferred to IBM unit at Knollwood Field, N.C. (Pinehurst) which was headquarters for the Air Force Technical Training Command. Sent to OCS at Harvard Business School. Upon being commissioned, assigned to Statistical Control Office at Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio. Started as night duty officer in IBM unit which operated 24 hours, seven days a week. Two years later became Chief of largest IBM installation in the world.

Discharged as a Major and returned to IBM in St. Louis. Went to Ford Motor Company in 1948 because of my Air Force associations. During last 1-1/2 years at Wright Field, my Commanding Officer was Robert S. McNamara, who reported to "Tex" Thornton in Washington -- he started Litton Industries. Being associated with and working for the "WhizKids" at Ford was a tremendous thrill and opportunity. Some memorable times at Ford included:

  •  Pioneered concept of Product Planning in the automotive industry.
  •  Saved V-8 engine for Ford car.
  •  Designed and developed marketing concept for 1955 Thunderbird.
  • Prepared product plan for 1957 Ford -- first year that Ford outsold Chevrolet in post-war period.
  •  As General Marketing manager, assisted in developing plans for 1964 Mustang.

Left Ford in 1964 as I was able to acquire property at corner of Scottsdale and Camelback Roads to open the first Ford dealership in Scottsdale, Arizona. Corporate life reclaimed me in 1968 - worked for RCA Corporation in New York (30 Rock) -- Executive Vice-President for Finance and Planning, member Board of Directors of RCA and Hertz. Retired at end of 1973. Went into oil business in 1974 and have been president of Morsey Oil and Gas Corporation since that time. Hobby is playing golf -- when asked how often - my favorite reply is every day that ends in "y".

Chase Morsey

I have been very lucky and extremely fortunate to have worked for three major corporations and some outstanding executives, including living in some great places: St. Louis, Grosse Pointe, Scottsdale and Greenwich, but California is best. Married for second time to Beverly Lohman in 1978, each married 30 years previously -- working on next 30; 6 children (3 mine, 3 hers), 4 grandchildren (twin boys); live in Los Angeles, and Indian Wells, California (Palm Springs).It has been my privilege to be friends and play golf with Ronald Reagan and Walter Annenberg. Attended President's 75th birthday party at White House. He was a great President and is just the same now. The four years at Amherst and the associations with you classmates shaped my life - my sincere thanks to all of you.