Scholarship honors board member
The Ron Russell Endowed Scholarship, established June 14 2006, through the support of the Mt. Hood Community College District Board to honor their long-time friend and colleague, was approved Sept. 27. Brenda Brady, special assistant to the President, said, “Having known Ron for many years, I think he would be both humbled and thrilled by this honor. Ron was a great advocate for education and for students. As a board member, he always kept students’ needs in the forefront when making decisions, so having a scholarship in his name that will directly help students move forward is really the perfect testament to Ron’s life, in my opinion.” Endowed scholarships must reach a total of $25,000 before students may receive funds from them. The Ron Russell Endowed Scholarship’s account currently stands at $10,000 thanks to generous donations made by Russell’s family. Mt. Hood Community College Foundation policy allows up to five years for the scholarship to reach the $25,000 level. Therefore, the scholarship will not be immediately open to applicants. When the Russell scholarship has reached $25,000 it will be among the scholarship listings on the MHCC web site, listed in the financial aid office and will also be listed through e-mail announcements sent out each term. The scholarship’s guidelines were developed through consultation with members of Russell’s family. The scholarship will be open to MHCC students with the following criteria: They must be a full-time student (in any program of study) carrying a minimum of 12 credits each term; have a 3.0 cumulative GPA from previous high school or college courses; submit two letters of recommendation; and must maintain a 2.5 GPA each term the scholarship is in effect. For those who didn’t know him, Russell was a retired educator. He served students as a classroom teacher, school principal, and superintendent for the David Douglas School District. Russell was a passionate believer in education who supported the Mt. Hood Community College District for many years. Russell was also a former MHCC Foundation board member. At the time of his death in February, Russell was serving his second term as an Mt. Hood Community College board member. “Ron was known for many things, including his intelligence and insight, loyalty, grace under fire, and his quick and gentle wit. He was a gem,” said Brenda Brady. Anyone is welcome to donate to the Ron Russell Endowed Scholarship and/or any other foundation scholarships. For more information or to make a donation, contact Brenda Brady at [email protected].
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