Centennial marker to be placed in front of Russell Building during Homecoming on Oct. 10

Press Release Date: 10-05-2009

DURANT, Okla. – As part of Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s Centennial Homecoming, a centennial marker will be placed in front of the Russell Building on Saturday, Oct. 10, at 11:30 a.m. Prior to that, at 11:00 a.m, a Russell School reception will be held in the east lobby of the building.

The James Earl Russell Memorial Building is named in honor of the late Columbia College professor who greatly influenced former Southeastern president Henry Garland Bennett.

The Russell Building originally included 22 classrooms, two libraries, gymnasium-auditorium, and offices for faculty and staff. From 1921-1968, the Russell Training School was the primary training facility for teachers in southeastern Oklahoma and served as a model public school for K-12 students.

From 1968-1973, the Russell Building housed such programs as the NASA Technology Use Study Center and the Neighborhood Youth Corps. In 1973, the building became the home of the Southeastern Oklahoma State University School of Business.

In 2005, the school was renamed the John Massey School of Business in honor of businessman, philanthropist, State Regent and Distinguished Alumnus John Massey.