²έΑρΙηΗψ

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Ann Russell Named Campus Community Coalition Coordinator

Contact: Paul Cocke, Director, ²έΑρΙηΗψ Office of Communications and Marketing, (360) 650-3350

BELLINGHAM – Ann Russell has been named the coordinator for the Campus Community Coalition, a diverse partnership involving Western Washington University, the City of Bellingham and a number of community partners.

Through grant funding, the Coalition was founded in 1999 by Western Washington University and the City of Bellingham to address issues of mutual concern, such as student alcohol misuse. It has a strong history of promoting working relationships and shared responsibility through collaborative education and problem-solving.Μύ In 2008, the Coalition expanded its membership and scope to include other area colleges in dialogue concerning matters of health, safety, and quality of life.

Western, led by President Bruce Shepard, is highly committed to building relationships with the local community. The ²έΑρΙηΗψ President’s Office provided the ongoing funding needed to support the work of the Coalition and to ensure that its efforts would continue beyond the time covered by the grant.

"We are excited to have Ann assume oversight of the Coalition and to continue to support the work of the Coalition.Μύ Ann brings varied experiences and strengths to the position that will keep the Coalition’s efforts moving in positive directions and continue to strengthen the relationship between area colleges and the Bellingham community,” said Eileen Coughlin, Senior Vice President and Vice President for Enrollment and Student Services at ²έΑρΙηΗψ.

Russell will assume her new responsibilities at Western on Feb. 12.Μύ Her role is to serve as a bridge to the larger community, to provide leadership to the Coalition, and to guide the implementation of Coalition projects, including the Hospitality Resource Alliance, the Advice on Tap campaign, Campus Collaborative projects and efforts in the local neighborhoods.

β€œI am very excited to have this opportunity to coordinate and support the Coalition’s efforts and to engage with its membership.Μύ The Coalition has a rich history and strong foundation.Μύ I look forward to continuing support of its work and identifying new initiatives that build on earlier efforts.Μύ This is a wonderful opportunity to contribute to my local community in new ways.” Russell said.ΜύΜύΜύΜύΜύΜύ

Russell has served in a variety of roles in the local community, including administrative support for BALLE, business management functions for Red Wagon Diaper Service, and program coordination and outreach work for Kulshan Community Land Trust and Whatcom Land Trust.Μύ

Russell has a bachelor’s degree from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry and a master’s degree from Western Washington University.Μύ She has been an active citizen in Bellingham for 13 years, serving on several boards and as a member of her neighborhood association.ΜύΜύ In addition, she is trained in professional mediation with the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center.Μύ

Russell succeeds former coordinator Lyndie Case, who left the Coalition to take a full-time position with the Skagit County Child and Family Consortium.

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