Stan Morrison’s story is one of leadership on the court, in the community, and throughout the Inland Empire. A national champion with the University of California, Berkeley, Stan’s early years were filled with basketball triumphs — from winning the 1959 NCAA Championship to competing internationally with Real Madrid of Spain as a European All-Star. He later became the only coach in NCAA history to lead three different California universities — the University of the Pacific, USC, and San Jose State — to the NCAA tournament. His players and peers celebrated him not only for his victories, but for the way he inspired young people to reach for more, both in sports and in life.
When Stan transitioned from coaching to leadership at UC Riverside, he guided the university’s athletic program through a historic move from Division II to Division I. For 12 years as Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, he worked tirelessly to create opportunities for student-athletes to compete, grow, and represent Riverside on a national stage.
In the business sector, Morrison served as Senior Vice President for Business Development at Pacific Premier Bank. However, the community has long recognized Stan as more than a coach or administrator. He has been honored as “Distinguished Citizen of the Year” by the Boy Scouts of America, “Citizen of the Year” by the Riverside Chamber of Commerce, and the recipient of UC Berkeley’s prestigious “Pete Newell Career Achievement Award.” In 2017, he was presented with the Ronald O. Loveridge “Distinguished Community Leader Award,” a fitting tribute to his decades of service.
What truly defines Stan, however, is his heart for people. He has devoted his energy to organizations that strengthen lives across Riverside and beyond, from Path of Life Ministries and the Mission Inn Foundation to cancer research, adoption advocacy, and the Riverside Arts Council. His work reflects a deep belief that the arts, athletics, education, and service all play vital roles in shaping a stronger, more compassionate community.
At Riverside Lyric Opera, we are proud to celebrate Stan Morrison not only for his remarkable accomplishments, but for his enduring commitment to bringing people together, uplifting the next generation, and enriching the cultural life of our city. His story reminds us that when we share our talents and passions, we create harmony that resonates far beyond the stage.