RELOCATION OF THE R. WINSTON MORRIS TUBA EXHIBIT

October 21, 2016, was a momentous day for anyone who ever knew the name R. Winston
Morris. For it was on this day that the R. Winston Morris Tuba Exhibit opened at the Regions
Bank Building in Cookeville, TN. The Exhibit displays an unprecedented collection (a Guinness
World Record Collection, we might add) of Tuba related figurines, artwork, books, etc. We were very pleased with the room at the bank, but have been asked to vacate the
space. The TTU Foundation has agreed to lease the entire third floor to Science Applications
International Corporation (SAIC) that will bring over 300 jobs to the Cookeville area over the
next five years. SAIC will partner with the University in the training of our students who may
ultimately become SAIC employees.

Thanks to President Oldham, the Exhibit will move to the campus and occupy prime space within the Roaden University Center. We will be located just behind the Information Center on the first floor. This area has a high traffic flow of students, faculty and staff as it is a main thoroughfare through the building. The Exhibit will have a much greater visibility than the Bank ever would. This is great news for the Exhibit!

The University has agreed to renovate the space at its cost and move the collection in. Some
additional office moves must take place before the renovation can begin. Unfortunately, the
Exhibit will be closed until these moves and renovations can be completed. However, the end product, space on the first floor of the Roaden University Center, is worth the wait.
For those of you that donated funds that helped renovate the space at the bank, your gifts will not
go in vain. Previous donations paid for the display and preparing the room for the exhibit. In this
next phase of the exhibit, the University assumes all financial responsibility for the room and
operation of the exhibit. While we are still seeking funds to establish an endowment to help care
for the exhibit in the long-term, the University is responsible for expenses related to the
relocation.

The University promises to make the space at the Roaden University Center just as appealing. In
speaking with Winston about the change, he is disappointed that we have to temporarily close the
Exhibit, but pleased with its new location. If you recall, the Joan Derryberry Art Gallery is just
across the hallway from this space. Both Exhibits will complement each other nicely.
The Foundation is honored to house this treasure and delighted that the Exhibit will have a home
on campus.

Kevin H. Braswell, Ph.D.
Vice President for University Advancement
Tennessee Technological University

John W. Smith
JWSmith@tntech.edu
Executive Director University Advancement
Tennessee Technological University