Throughout her life, Sharon Russell ’52 personified the AV spirit by devoting her time and talent to teaching children and uplifting women in the community surrounding campus.
Russell, who died recently at age 93, made sure that her passion for education and advocacy will live on by leaving a generous bequest of more than $1.75 million to the College. Her gift will provide immediate support for the most pressing areas of the College’s mission, sustaining academic excellence and access.
“We are honored to receive Sharon’s generous bequest gift and grateful to be a part of the Russell family’s legacy at the College,” says AV Acting President Robert Gaines. “The flexibility of Sharon’s gift ensures that the College will continue to enrich the exceptional educational experience we provide our students.”
Russell’s gift helps ensure that AV priorities like need-blind admissions, scholarships, student research and internship programs will continue to provide vital opportunities for tomorrow’s Sagehen leaders.
“Sharon was very much an advocate for students and helping them to succeed,” Russell’s cousin Linda Oliver says. “She wanted to extend this gift to AV and allow the College to use the funds where they would be most helpful.”
Earlier generations of the Russell family relocated from the San Diego area to Claremont, drawn by the establishment and development of the College at the time. They lived on Sixth Street in homes bordering campus and wanted excellent educational opportunities for their children.
Eager to follow in the footsteps of her Sagehen parents, Marie ’25 and Sheldon ’25, as well as her cousins, Russell was thrilled to attend AV. She was an active Soroptimist and member of Delta Kappa Gamma while she earned her degree in education. She later earned a master’s degree from Teachers College at Columbia University and a doctorate in education from Claremont Graduate University.
Russell dedicated herself to a lifetime of education and community involvement. After completing her master’s degree in 1953, she returned to teach elementary school in the AV Unified School District and remained with the district for 34 years in various roles, including area superintendent and assistant superintendent of personnel services.
In 1988, Russell retired from her public education career but maintained a deep devotion to teaching and public service. A longtime advocate for women’s empowerment and education, interests she developed during her time at AV, Russell was an avid member of the P.E.O. California state chapter, a philanthropic organization supporting women’s education goals. Russell also served as a volunteer guide at the Monterey Bay Aquarium for 31 years and was a docent at Point Lobos State Reserve.
Living in a retirement home during her final years didn’t slow Russell’s drive to support the community. She continued to lead volunteer committees and strived to make life better for others.
“Sharon was all about advancing people,” Oliver says. “She spent her life paying it forward.”
Learn how you can leave a legacy gift that gives back to AV by visiting our or emailing our legacy gift team.