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Russell A. Strong

Oct. 6, 2009

Russell A. Strong, who retired from Western Michigan University after working a total of 20 years during two separate periods, died Oct. 2 in North Carolina. He was 85.

A former director of alumni and development research, Strong was director of news and information at WMU from 1951-63. He held positions at Michigan State University, Davidson College, Wake Forest University, Wright State University and St. Andrews Presbyterian College before returning to WMU in 1979 as alumni director. Three years later, he assumed the post of director of research and senior development officer, a position he held until his retirement from WMU in 1988. Before coming to WMU, he was state editor for the Kalamazoo Gazette.

A veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a local World War II history enthusiast, he published "First Over Germany," the story of the 306th Bombardment Group with which he served as a navigator in 1944. During his time as alumni director for WMU, he also headed the creation of the first alumni directory at the University.

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Media contact: Deanne Puca, (269) 387-8400, deanne.puca@wmich.edu

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