Gerald F. Russell was a Marine who served in World War II, including missions to Iwo Jima and Guadalcanal.

He commanded one of the first units to land in Japan and provided protection for the US technical teams covering the atomic bomb site in Nagasaki.

He was instrumental in starting and eventually coaching the United States Marine Corps (USMC) track team.

Russell retired from Penn State in 1987 as associate dean of the College of Health, Physical Education and Recreation.

The Scholarship was established to provide post secondary education financial support for children and grandchildren of Centre County Servicemen and women who served their country since September 11, 2001.