In May of 1953, the president of the formerly named Alabama Polytechnic Institute, Ralph Draughon, dedicated the ROTC drill field to Max Adams Morris for his many deeds and accomplishments.
Due to construction of the Village Residence Halls and residence halls parking lot, the drill field has recently been relocated across from the stadium in front of the Nichols Center on South Donahue Drive.
Morris not only has a drill field dedicated to his name, but will now a historical marker dedicated to the field.
The Max Morris Field is now decorated by an honorary, historical marker dedicated to the heroic Max Adams Morris.
To the right of the Nichols Center entrance stands a plaque engraved with gold letters describing the heroic acts and achievements that define Morris.
The dedication ceremony was held on May 24 outside of the Nichols Center.
Several noted figures were present at the dedication ceremony.
Douglas Chambers of the Carnegie Hero Fund and President of the Auburn Heritage Association Mary Norman were both in attendance at the event.
Auburn University Interim Provost, Timothy Boosinger, as well as members of the related families, Nelson, Perritt, Kelly and Morris, including Morris' son, Max F. Morris.
Auburn University Trustee, Jimmy Rane also attended, as well as Commanders of each Auburn ROTC unit.
Charles Hendrix, professor in pathobiology, urges students to visit the historical marker in hopes that they will learn a story that truly epitomizes the Auburn spirit.
"Max Adams Morris was the ultimate Auburn scholar athlete - he typified all of the tenets of our Auburn Creed," Hendrix said.
Battalion Executive Officer and Staff Advisor Major Stewart Robbins said the historical marker recognizes ROTC values through its concentration on sacrifice of one for another.
"Army ROTC teaches you how to lead," Robbins said. "It offers opportunities and challenges that can't be found anywhere else on this campus."
Remaining dedicated in his activities, successfully attempting to save several lives and earning many, much-deserved awards-these are some of the acknowledgments on the historical marker.
"(Through ROTC) you develop confidence, self-esteem and leadership skills that will help you progress throughout college, the military or your civilian career," Robbins said.
These acclamations show that the memory of Morris exudes not only the Auburn spirit, but ROTC spirit as well.
"The marker is a good reminder to current cadets that Auburn University has a long history of producing quality officers and that they should strive to maintain that quality in the future," said 2nd Lietenant Cliff Johnson.
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