Founder & Legacy
Early Life and Family History
Margaret Peg Clark Morgan was born on September 5, 1918, in Kent, Ohio, to Ethel and Howard Clark. She grew up with her parents, her younger sister Eleanor, and her grandmother Lucy Brown Clark.
Peg was the great-great-granddaughter of Owen Brown, father of abolitionist John Brown. Her family preserved historical records connected to that legacy, and her father carefully maintained materials from the John Brown era. Those archives were later donated to the Hudson Library and Historical Society.
In 2009, at age 91, Peg marked the 150th anniversary of John Brown’s raid by sharing the book John Brown, His Fight for Freedom with students in Akron and Hudson classrooms. In 2010, she was named Hudson Citizen of the Year in recognition of her contribution of the archives.
Her life remained closely tied to history, education, and community.
Education, Partnership, and Entrepreneurship
Peg graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School in 1935 as valedictorian and was recognized as “most versatile” student. After receiving a one-year scholarship to Kent State University, she went on to graduate from Miami University with a degree in business — at a time when few women pursued a college degree.
In 1939, she began working at Goodrich in Akron, where she met Burton D. Morgan. They married in 1941 and built both a family and a life rooted in entrepreneurship.
When Burt developed the “Hamburg Sizzler” in 1952, Peg secured a purchase order from Macy’s Department Store for 10,000 units. Throughout their marriage, she played a steady and essential role in supporting entrepreneurial ventures while raising their three children.
Her involvement reflected practicality, initiative, and follow through.
Community and Philanthropic Leadership
In 1959, the Morgan family moved to Hudson, Ohio, where Peg’s ancestors had settled in the early 1800s. The family established deep roots that would shape their philanthropic legacy for generations.
In 1967, Burt founded the Burton D. Morgan Foundation to advance entrepreneurship education. Peg remained engaged in community life, including supporting local arts and public events such as the Hudson Summer Music Festival.
On April 6, 2001, the Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation was established in her honor. Over time, Peg became directly involved in shaping its direction, with an unwavering focus on improving the lives of people with serious mental illness.
A Foundation Shaped by Example
The foundation reflects qualities consistently demonstrated throughout Peg’s life: commitment to community, responsible stewardship, support for education, and willingness to advance new ideas.
Today, Peg’s carries that work forward by investing in innovation, strengthening partnerships, and helping improve systems of care for people living with serious mental illness.
Her legacy is not defined by a single moment. It is reflected in the sustained work of the foundation that bears her name.
Our Clear Pathways annual retreat wasn’t just about planning the work ahead; it was also about understanding the legacy behind it. ✨
While connecting and aligning priorities for the future, the team explored our exhibits through a campus tour—learning more about our founder, Peg Morgan, and the historic impact partners that continue to bring our mission to life.
#ThinkBigger
Relationships are at the heart of everything we do at Peg`s, and impact partners like Active Minds are essential to our mission.
For the last 15 years, we’ve been proud to support Alison Malmon and the work of @Active_Minds as they’ve changed the conversation around mental health for youth and young adults across the country.
Now, through the @weareenough campaign, we’re proud to help elevate the conversation further, reminding people everywhere: You are enough, just as you are. 💚
#ThinkBigger #ImpactPartners #YouAreEnough #MentalHealth
The college years are a critical time for mental health. That’s why Peg’s has partnered with @kentstate for more than 20 years to strengthen the systems, workforce, and community support students need to thrive on campus and beyond. 💙🩺
#MHM2026 #Pegs #KentStateUniversity #MentalHealth #BehavioralHealth
When the world is small and the mission is big, beautiful things happen. 💛
A spontaneous visit from a friend at @inspiringchildren turned into a soulful conversation, a campus tour, and a chance to go deeper on the passion that drives the work of both foundations.
#ThinkBigger
