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Here's to the King
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"When [Dave Walling] won [Homecoming King 2000], I thought 'that would be kind of cool--to do that like him,'" Russell said, unaware that he would be crowned in 2003. "I didn't really think too much about it beforehand. I was just honored to think that people thought of me. It kind of made me realize how many people I've met since I've been at ORU."
Yet Russell acknowledges there is a lot more to his personality than most people realize. Clearly this king is not merely a court jester.
Major: Public Relations/Advertising
Dorm/Wing: EMR--Men of God
Hometown: Stockton, Calif.
Post-graduation plans: Lead an ORU missions team to Italy; move back to Tulsa; work with kids in YMCA before- and after-school programs; start a screen-printing business
Involvements on campus: Team leader for Team Italy; Academic Peer Advisor coordinator
What is your best memory of ORU so far?
"Summer missions. That just changed my life." (Referring to his two-month trip to Italy after sophomore year.)
Anything else?
Attending ORU volleyball games as "Super Dan."
What is one good piece of advice you would give to underclassmen?
"Leave here with no regrets. My basketball coach used to say that in high school, and that has become my mentality."
If you could describe yourself in one or two words, what would they be and why?
"Real and crazy. I don't know what God has called me to be... I know who I am called to be, and to be anything less than that is to dishonor God. By being myself I'm honoring God because He made me to be something different. A lot of people are afraid to look goofy because it's all about image... I really don't care. When people get to know me they realize there's a lot more to me."
What do you think has influenced you the most in your time at ORU?
"God...If anybody has ordered my steps, it's been Him...I've also met so many different people. I met the right people at the right time, and it was exactly what I needed when I needed it...The biggest single thing that changed me the most was missions... I learned the value of real friendship."
What is the most random thing that has ever happened to you at ORU?
"I got bit by a squirrel my sophomore year. It was in my car--I had been trying to save it from a cat who attacked it...I learned that Tulsa squirrels do not have rabies."
Do you have any interesting hobbies/interests/talents?
Cartooning.
"I also led a youth group this summer back home."
What are you most proud of, or what do you feel has been your greatest accomplishment at ORU?
"The fact that I'm leaving here with no regrets. I've asked out every girl I ever wanted to ask out...If something popped into my head, I thought about it first, but I usually went for it...I came here wanting to get the most out of this place, and I'm leaving here with no regrets. My relationship with God is stronger than ever. It's more like a friendship."
