Russ

Russ grew up in a small factory town in Massachusetts, composed mainly of immigrants looking to make a better life for themselves. In his high school years, he became heavily involved in 1960s counterculture, primarily the antiwar movement among other causes. Despite being told by his guidance counselor that he would never go to college, he paid his way to attend community college, where he continued his social and political activism in areas from the civil rights movement to the women's rights movement. Although he didn't finish his degree, mentors at the college took him under their wing, and with their encouragement, he later enrolled in the innovative University Without Walls program at UMass Amherst, which integrated real-life learning with traditional courses. In the following years, he found his passion making a difference in many students' lives as an academic counselor, director, consultant, and dean at several different schools. He is proud of honoring his own mentors by becoming a mentor to others. Lastly, he is proud to say that he has never "worked" a day in his life (aside from a short factory stint) because his work was his passion. 

I believe that I grow and learn by examining my life through objective analysis and rational thought. This is my approach to life - to be able to separate objectivity from subjectivity in the decisions I make and in dealing with the obstacles and dilemmas of my existence. This doesn’t mean I can’t be subjective and enjoy my feelings and make emotional decisions (after all, I’m human). But I think it is important to at least be aware of when I let my emotions and feelings take precedent over rational reasoning. I also believe that it is through learning and knowledge that I develop the skills to identify what is truly most important to me and to create opportunities to achieve true personal fulfillment. Life is a journey in search of personal truth. As the ancient Greek proverb says, “Know thyself.”

The act of experiencing and learning will be your greatest asset along your life’s journey. Your thinking has consequences for how much control you have over your individual existence. Your thinking, and how you apply that thinking, will also define your place in the world. Keep in mind, your place in the world will have consequences on other people. Respect that role, and respect the people who share your space. Experience life and always think deeply about what you are learning, and how you apply that learning. Take care not to let emotion cloud too much of your reasoning and decision-making.