 |
|
|
|
|
|
The Philanthropy 50: Americans Who Gave the Most in 2008
Fritz J. and Dolores H. Russ
Rank: 22
Total amount committed in 2008: $94.8-million
Location: Beavercreek, Ohio
Source of wealth: Technology
Donors' background: Mr. and Ms. Russ founded Systems Research Laboratories, a Beavercreek, Ohio, engineering and technology research firm.
Mr. Russ, who died in 2004 at 84, and his wife, Dolores, who died in 2008 at 86, bequeathed $94.8-million -the bulk of their estate- to Ohio University Russ College of Engineering and Technology, in Athens. Of the total bequest, $82.1-million was in cash and securities, and $12.7-million was from the Russes' personal property.
Russ College officials said the bequest will go toward research in avionics, biomedical engineering, civil infrastructure, and energy and environment. Mr. and Mrs. Russ stipulated in their will that a portion of the money must be used to endow professorships, scholarships, and leadership programs for students.
Mr. Russ earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the university in 1942 and served on the university's Board of Trustees from 1981 to 1990.
With a career that started at the Naval Research Laboratory, in Washington, Mr. Russ helped build the world's first high-voltage, radio-frequency-generated power supply, which would later be used in television sets. In 1955 he and Ms. Russ started Systems Research Laboratories. Together they built the company's first facility themselves. The 1,200-square-foot concrete structure had such cost-savings features as an interior window between the two founders' offices, through which the couple would pass the company's lone telephone. With an eye always on thrift, Mr. Russ gave Ms. Russ a birthday gift of asphalt tile for her office that first year.
The company was responsible for such innovations as a device used by astronauts to monitor their blood pressure and radio that information back to earth. It also developed special lasers, chemical-warfare shelters, and various types of artificial intelligence.
The company's success and the couple's economizing paid off. They sold the company to Arvin Industries, an auto-parts manufacturer, in 1987 for $35.9-million. A division of the company called the Russ Research Center now provides laboratories and other types of research space for 13 companies, along with Russ College.
About These Data
The giving figures listed for each individual are based on donations announced to date by the donors or their beneficiaries. In cases of bequests, most of the figures are estimates because the wills have not been settled. For news of gift announcements in 2009, visit the America's Top Donors database.
If you know about a recent gift of $1-million or more that should be added to this directory, please send a message to gifts@philanthropy.com.