When David Morse walked over to the Sacramento State University campus to enroll for classes, he had no idea he was building a legacy and making history as the university’s first student.

Now, 67 years later, his grandson Grant Morse is a freshman, carrying on the Morse family name at Sac State.

“It’s really amazing just to think my family has such roots here, and then now I get to go here and kind of continue on,” Grant said.

From that moment on, David Morse continued to make his mark on campus: he was on the committee that came up with the school colors and mascot, was involved in establishing the university’s fight song, and became the first president of the Alumni Association.

Mathew David Morse, Grant’s father, recalls his father’s enthusiasm and passion for Sac State.

“My father was very proud to be an alumn[us] of Sac State,” Mathew said. “It was a great source of happiness for me to see my father…be so proud to have such roots in Sac State.”

Grant said that he and his grandfather, who passed a few years ago, shared a great relationship. He remembers his grandfather as the most generous, thoughtful person who made you feel as if you were the most important person in the room.

“He was always positive. I don’t think I ever heard any negative thing come out of his mouth in the time I was alive,” Grant said. “He’s just a great person and he had a lot of passion for what he did, too.”

Now Mathew Morse sees his father’s characteristics through his son.

“My son has a lot of integrity,” he said. “He’s just a good person.”

Not only does Grant resemble his grandfather’s personality, but he apparently resembles his passion for education as well. Grant maintained a high GPA at Cosumnes Oaks High School in Elk Grove and plans to pursue a career in media communications. He’s already well on his way there.

Grant and a friend from high school started a small production business, recording weddings and other special events. He even recorded some games for his high school.

“We weren’t paid for this, but we would record all our high school football games for the coaches and that video would be used for the players to send off to colleges,” Grant said.

In his spare time, Grant also likes working on cars and occasionally lifts weights. But he’s focused on developing his skills for production and eventually hopes to be hired to record private events.

“Or maybe even working for a news station – behind-the-scenes stuff though, not in front of the camera,” Grant said.

Grant recalls several funny stories and life lessons from his grandfather. But there’s one lesson that has stuck with him the most.

“I’d say one in particular is: no matter what, never give up,” Grant said. “No matter where you come from, you can make something of yourself – it just matters how you apply yourself.”

While at Sac State, Grant plans to continue his grandfather’s legacy and hopes to establish his own legacy. He wants his future children and grandchildren to remember that he was a good person.

“Just that I was a good man, you know, that’s really what it comes down to – that I tried and did the best I could for them and that I was a good father,” Grant said.

Grant also remembers one peculiar word that his grandfather would use all the time.

“Tremendous,” Grant said. “He’d always have that to say. That was his word.”