Friends, neighbors, and colleagues describe Morgan as having a smile that could light up a room, a deep love of family, a sense of humor, kindness, and warmth, and a presence that helped people feel good, safe, and welcome. He loved football (especially the Dallas Cowboys), his Ford Mustang convertible, and his wife, children, grandchildren, and friends.
John Morgan Russell, one of the seven founders of F.E.L.L.O.W.S.
Morgan was a proud graduate of the 232nd class of the prestigious Central High School of Philadelphia, PA. He earned a B.S. in Communications from Clarion State University of Pennsylvania. He remained active with college and charitable endeavors via his lifetime Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. membership.
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After college Morgan was a decorated professional pharmaceutical sales representative with Bristol Myers Squibb for 12 years. Following that, he served in the Department of Homeland Security as an Occupational Safety and Health Specialist. He provided instructional design and training to 800+ employees and was the final arbiter of grievances for employee evaluations and employee/union disputes. His colleagues remember his friendly demeanor and how he mentored people and brought laughter and joy to the workplace.
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To honor and extend Morgan’s legacy to future generations, Morgan’s wife and family are creating the John Morgan Russell HBCU scholarship fund. This scholarship will be offered through F.E.L.L.O.W.S., a nonprofit 501c3 Morgan helped to found that is focused on introducing youth to the history and value of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s). The scholarship available will assist with tuition at an HBCU of the student’s choice.
Scholarship Purpose
Support youth in exploring and obtaining education and life-long connections in there community via Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s).
Scholarship Types
1. $2000 tuition scholarship for first year student attending an HBCU
Scholarship Prerequisites
1. Be a high school student living in the Greater Philadelphia area
( All of Philadelphia and surrounding counties - Southern NJ - Northern Delaware)
2. Achieve a 2.3 GPA or above, by the end of senior year as evidenced by their high school transcripts
3. Wanting to attend an HBCU and have an acceptance letter to any said school
Scholarship Submission Requirements
1. Submit written answers to one the following questions
a. Tell us how you have helped your family, community, school, church, a friend, or others.
b. Tell us why you want to attend an HBCU.
c. Tell us about a time you had to work hard to complete something – a school assignment, a job, a family commitment, a sports activity, etc.
d. We ask that you use the 200-300-word limit on any one of these topics
2. Provide official copies of high school transcripts
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Scholarship Award Committee
The scholarship award committee meets twice a year which includes members of the F.E.L.L.O.W.S. leadership team along with a member of the Russell family (wife, and/or descendant's). At that time we will go over all applicants and a decision will be made by or before the beginning of the fall college semester.