Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, November 29, 1994                   TAG: 9411290070
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG                                LENGTH: Short

TECH ALUMNI LEADER RETIRES ON MARCH 1

Russell, a 1953 Tech graduate, has worked at the university since 1956. He started as an assistant county agent with the Extension Division and went on to become a professor and director of resource development and home economics.

Russell received his master's degree from the University of Maryland and his doctorate from the University of Wisconsin. He was a National 4-H Fellow at the University of Maryland and received fellowships from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Extension Center for Advanced Studies at the University of Wisconsin.

In 1968, Russell joined the Virginia Tech Alumni Association as director of alumni affairs. He led the development of new alumni activities for Tech graduates during the university's rapid growth in the 1960s, '70s and '80s.

In 1991, President James McComas made alumni relations a component of the university structure, and Russell, who had served for a decade as executive vice president of the independent Alumni Association, became the official vice president of the university's alumni relations office.

Following Russell's announcement of his retirement, Virginia Tech President Paul Torgersen said the search for a new vice president would begin soon.

"Our alumni are fortunate to have had Buddy's long-time leadership," Torgersen said. "We are grateful to Buddy for his many loyal years of service."