Elizabeth Russell, the former president of Eastern Maine Community College, died Sunday, weeks after she announced her retirement as president of the college.
Russell had been battling an illness for the past year.
Russell started her career as a school teacher before working her way up the ranks of EMCC over the course of 31 years, starting in admissions, then as dean, vice president and retiring as president. Her years as president were spent bringing in millions of dollars in congressional funding, updating technology across the campus and bringing an ambulance to campus to support EMS training, according to the school’s announcement of her retirement.
In the college’s post on social media about Russell’s death, it said Russell expanded her role as president to be more approachable to staff and students on campus.
“Liz was more than our president. She was a mentor, a colleague and a friend whose warmth, humor and compassion touched every corner of our campus,” the post said.
Despite all of her accomplishments, Russell’s family wants her to be remembered as a fun person, Michael Hambrock, the director of marketing and public relations at EMCC, said.
She spent her free time traveling and golfing. She showed her competitive nature on the golf course, as well as in her fantasy baseball league, he added.
“Whether golfing, fishing, traveling or bantering with friends in her long-standing fantasy baseball league, she brought the same energy and determination that defined her professional life. She loved new experiences, tackled challenges head-on, and never lost her sense of humor,” Hambrock said.
Russell was active in the community outside her roles with EMCC.
Russell held roles on the Northern Light Health board of directors and as vice chair of Eastern Maine Development Corporation, as well as being involved with Habitat for Humanity, University of Maine and Husson University.
As part of Eastern Maine Development Corporation, Russell helped the board of directors determine how to use funding for student needs in eastern Maine.
“Liz’s keen ability to assess the educational needs of students, putting them on the path to gainful employment, was uncanny. She was full of kindness, good humor, respect for all, while believing that success was always inevitable,” Lee Umphrey, president and CEO of Eastern Maine Development Corporation, said.
Russell also held a spot on the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Board. She was named volunteer of the year by the organization in April. The Chamber said Russell will be missed for more than just her contributions to the area.
“So many wonderful (and fun) memories made. We will miss her laugh, smile, warmth, caring, compassion, humility and humor,” The Chamber said..
A service to celebrate Russell’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Oct. 3 at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor.