May 11, 2004

O'Dell Expands Chemical Engineering Scholarship Endowment

Dr. O'Dell

Dr. Francis P. (Russ) O’Dell, director of development in chemical engineering for the NC State Engineering Foundation, recently signed a Charitable Remainder Unitrust naming the Foundation as beneficiary of his retirement accounts, currently valued at more than $500,000. The gift eventually will be used to create multiple undergraduate and graduate scholarships in the chemical engineering department.

Dr. Nino A. Masnari, dean of the College of Engineering, said of O’Dell’s gift, “This is an investment in tomorrow’s chemical engineers. We are grateful to Russ for his generosity and continued commitment to the College of Engineering and NC State.”

O’Dell previously established an endowment supporting two scholarships for chemical engineering students: the Russ O’Dell Outstanding Chemical Engineering Senior Scholarship, given to a top academic senior who has not yet received a substantial scholarship, and the Russ O’Dell Chemical Engineering Scholarship, a renewable award given to a top sophomore. Beyond the usual attention to academic achievements, both scholarships emphasize participation in sports or physical education classes, a reflection of O’Dell’s days on the NC State swimming team.

O’Dell was valedictorian of his class when he graduated from NC State in 1975. He received his doctorate from NC State three years later. As a recipient of several scholarships and fellowships during his undergraduate and graduate studies, O’Dell fully understands the impact his gift can have on future students.

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(Photo: Susie O'Dell)

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