Alumnus Profile: Michael Russell, Kettering ’13
Since graduating from Kettering University with a degree in chemical engineering and a biochemistry minor, Michael Russell has certainly carved a unique career path for himself. Mike was accepted into Texas Tech School of Medicine and was granted a one-year deferral to work internationally as an elementary school teacher in the Middle East, which further solidified Mike’s passion for humanitarian work. Following his return to the United States, he completed his medical education at Texas Tech, obtained master’s degrees in public health and business administration, and served as student body president. The most notable event during his tenure in Lubbock, Texas, was meeting his wonderful bride, Rebekah. Upon the completion of his training, Mike, Rebekah, and their children, Everest (5), Adelaide (3), Maverick (1), and a new baby on the way, have moved to Blantyre, Malawi, to join forces with Cure International. Here, Mike practices as a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon, providing care to children who would otherwise go without.
Tell us about your undergraduate fraternity experience. Why did you choose Phi Delta Theta, and do you have any favorite memories you would like to share?
When I first arrived at Kettering University, I never imagined joining a fraternity; it was frankly not on my radar. I quickly realized that Greek life at Kettering was a huge part of campus life. When I rushed the different fraternities on campus, I was struck by the strong brotherhood that the Phi Delts demonstrated. I also immediately felt quite welcome, and being able to participate in their intramural sports teams as a new freshman really sealed the deal. Some of my fondest memories are centered on the camping trips we would take throughout the year and the epic road trip adventures across the country with my Phi Delt brothers.
How have you stayed connected with Phi Delta Theta after graduation?
I was extremely honored to receive a Phi Delta Theta Foundation scholarship throughout undergraduate and medical school, which was an incredible blessing. Outside this direct connection to the larger Phi Delta Theta brotherhood, I have stayed in close contact with several of the brothers I pledged with and have visited the house on a handful of occasions.
Who from your chapter inspired you? Have you ever told them that?
Man, great question. I was incredibly blessed to be surrounded by an incredible group of men. The most impactful were likely those in my fellow pledge class and those directly around it. If I had to single out one, it would likely be Kemoy Smith, ’14, one of my chemical engineering classmates. His story of overcoming extreme adversity and persevering in the face of this is incredible. We have chatted about this, but I don’t think I have ever told him directly. I’ll do that today!
What accomplishments or career milestones are you most proud of, and how do you attribute them to your experience?
Entering the medical field, it seems quite crazy that I am thirty-six and just now starting my actual career. While I could point to a few academic milestones along the way, I think the thing I am most proud of is raising my family in Malawi and eschewing some of the more typical pursuits of an American surgical career. Life here is quite simple, but my kiddos can see what really matters: loving others and helping those in need. I wouldn’t trade this experience for the world. I think my early experience in the Fraternity, serving as Michigan Delta’s philanthropy chair and coordinating philanthropic events in the Flint community, was a stepping stone on the path I am now on as a medical missionary.
What did it mean for you or your family to receive Foundation scholarships?
This was absolutely huge for my family and me. Being able to avoid going into debt during medical school, thanks to these and a few other scholarships, allowed me to make the jump into humanitarian surgical care. Phi Delta Theta’s investment in my academic journey was truly invaluable in enabling me to impact children’s lives here in Malawi.
What are you most proud of?
My family. I am extremely blessed to have three beautiful children with a fourth on the way. I also married way out of my league with regard to my beautiful wife, Rebekah. Together, we are extremely thankful and proud of the life we have been able to cultivate here in Malawi. I think we are both proud that we followed God’s calling in our lives and moved to Malawi. This has been a desire of mine ever since my sophomore year of undergraduate school, after seeing firsthand the devastation and despair following the earthquake in Haiti. Now, almost twenty years from this initial inspiration, we are doing what I truly feel I was created to do.
Do you feel that Phi Delta Theta made a difference in your life?
Undeniably so. I was blessed to be surrounded by incredible young men throughout my collegiate career who constantly challenged me towards excellence in all arenas of life. Their positive support and encouragement have truly helped mold me into who I am today.
Do you have any advice for current students?
“Dream no little dreams, for they have no magic to move men’s souls,” was a quote that I heard numerous times from the former chancellor of Texas Tech, Kent Hance. The biggest advice I can give to current students is to set your goals for yourself high and not settle for mediocrity in any facet of your life. Having the opportunity to attend university in the US or Canada is an extreme blessing that most of the world would die for. You are set up for success; now it is time to act upon that blessing you have been given. You truly have the opportunity to create positive change in your various spheres of influence. The question is, will you act upon that opportunity?
