Sam Morgan
Outstanding Philanthropist
2009 National Philanthropy Day

Sam Morgan started out with humble beginnings in Eastern Kentucky and later moved to Dayton. A self-made millionaire, Sam is a graduate of Stivers High School. In 1981, Sam partnered with Ernie Green to start EGI, Inc. which has grown to become one of the top automotive suppliers in the country. Thirteen years ago he partnered with prominent Beavercreek developer, Bob Mills, to create Mills-Morgan Development. He and his wife, Carol, now split their time between Dayton, Ohio and Naples, Florida.

Sam’s philanthropic vision stems from his enormous love and respect for his mother, Mae Morgan, who ran a halfway house in Eastern Kentucky, providing meals and lodging for those in need. Today, Sam exemplifies the thoughtful philanthropist who gives strategically and whose gifts reflect his modest beginnings and his values today.

While Sam never went to college, he’s been extremely supportive of providing scholarships to disadvantaged students. Therefore, he created the William Pearl and Mae Morgan Scholarship Fund at Sinclair Community College in 2003. In response to the slowing economy earlier this year, Sam supported Wright State University’s Graduation Fund which is designed to provide immediate financial aid to students whose families are facing severe economic challenges.

Sam has a soft spot for children as evidenced by his support of many non-profits supporting kids. Sam gave a lead gift to Daybreak’s Raise the Roof campaign to support the building of a comprehensive service center to serve homeless youth. Sam also helped with the creation of Michael’s House, a child advocacy center in Greene County. His gift allowed the center to purchase a one-of-a-kind living exhibit to provide a soothing distraction for abused children. Finally, Sam has adopted several needy families at Christmas whose children are being cared for at Dayton Children’s. His support of Dayton Children’s can also been seen in the flat-screen TVs in the kid’s rooms and the nursing station in the inpatient area named in honor of his mother.

With his wife’s full support, Sam also believes in giving back to his community which is reflected by his support of the Cassano Health Center, Schuster Performing Arts Center, the Air Force Museum and the Aviation Hall of Fame. Sam’s ultimate act of generosity came just a few months ago when he, along with his partner Bob Mills, donated $6.25 million in land for the creation of Kettering Health Network’s Mills-Morgan Campus.

Dayton is the grateful beneficiary of Mae Morgan’s inspiration and the lessons that Sam learned at her side. May he inspire others through his vision and generous heart!