Dr. Fred Donald Russell received a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. Don later received a PhD in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University.

Don started out his career by teaching upper division and graduate-level classes in engineering at Arizona State University for several years.

In 1962, Don transitioned from teaching to the aerospace industry where he worked in Silicon Valley for 35 years. He was involved in many exciting projects throughout his career ranging from the Apollo program to exotic endeavors. He held several senior positions including Vice President and Director of Advanced Research and Development at Ford Aerospace and Chief Scientist at Loral Corporation.

In addition to his beloved wife of sixty-six years, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Don leaves behind his sister Dian, nephews Richard and Chris (Christopher), niece Jennifer (Jerry), and their respective families.