Texas A&M University - Commerce Campus Recreation

As with any capital project, it takes time to proceed from the conception to the realization of the dream. Our project was first conceptualized in October 1997 and six (6) years later the dream of a new campus recreation facility was finally achieved. Here's a look at the timeline:

	1997 - Began research for the possibility of a new campus recreation facility

	Dec. 1999 - 1st Rec Sports Fee referendum was passed...$20 per student/ per semester

	Jan. 2000 - Began meetings with the A&M System to develop the Program of requirements.

	May 2000 - Hired Architects

	Sept. 2000 - Allowed to begin spending a portion of Rec Sports Fee to purchase new weight/cardio equipment, extend operating hours, and increase programming at the existing recreation facility (the Zeppa Center)

	Nov. 2001 - Hired General Contractors

	Jan. 2002 - Zeppa Center demolished...Construction of new facility began

	Oct. 2002 - 2nd Rec Sports Fee referendum was passed...$65 per student/ per semester(half if enrolled in less than 6 hours)

	June 2003 - opened new facility

Meet the Namesake:
The recreation center is named in honor of Dr. Jerry D. Morris, the ninth President of East Texas State University (now Texas A&M University-Commerce), 1987-1997. Dr. Morris served the University effectively for over 27 years. His commitment to developing the talent of faculty, staff and students, and his dedication to the importance of community relations is an enduring tribute to all who enter these doors. Dr. Morris' portrait hangs in the lobby of the MRC.

Meet the Artist:
Debora Schubert Lytle is a native of Sweetwater, Texas. She received her Associate in Arts degree from Western Texas College - Snyder and Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Texas A&M University - Commerce.

Her portrait work includes academic, corporate, family, and animal commissions. She also enjoys painting floral, landscapes and still life art for commission and exhibit. Along with doing her commission work, she teaches art as an adjunct at Paris Junior College and elementary art at Royse City ISD.

Among her distinguished commissions are:
• Dr. Jerry D. Morris, President Emeritus, Texas A&M University-Commerce
• Dr. Jim Stahl, Director-Zeppa Center (Retired), Texas A&M University-Commerce
• Mr. and Mrs. Joe B. Hinton, President of Mobil Europe (Retired)
• Mr. F.H. McDowell, President Emeritus, Texas A&M University-Commerce
• Dr. D.A. Talbot, III, Professor Emeritus of Texas A&M University - Commerce

Her memberships include The Portrait Society of America, The American Society of Portrait Artists, Texas Visual Artists Association and The American Society of Classical Realism.

Debora Schubert Lytle
www.portraitartist.com/lytle
274 CR 4734
Cumby, Texas 75433
903-886-4664

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