Rosemary Russell, associate professor of music (voice) in the School of Music, will retire from active faculty status on May 31, 2003.

Professor Russell received her B.Mus. and M.Mus. degrees from Westminster Choir College in 1957 and 1959, respectively, and earned a second M.Mus. degree from the University of Michigan in 1967. She joined the University of Michigan faculty as a lecturer in 1966 and was promoted to instructor in 1967, assistant professor in 1968, and associate professor in 1972.

During her tenure, Professor Russell served as coordinator (1986-99) and chair (2000-02) of the Department of Voice, administrator of the All-State Program, and faculty member and performer at the Interlochen Center for the Arts. She has sung with all of the major choral and instrumental ensembles at the University and has appeared on the University of Michigan television network. She frequently served as an adjudicator for vocal competitions, including the Metropolitan Opera Regional Competitions and the Leontyne Price Vocal Competition.

Professor Russell possesses a magnificent mezzo-soprano voice and has also had a successful career as a professional singer. She has appeared with numerous orchestras, including the Detroit Symphony, Mozarteum of Salzburg, Prague Chamber Orchestra, Rhode Island Philharmonic, Scandinavian Symphony, and the Aspen Festival Orchestra. Professor Russell has worked with numerous world-famous conductors and has sung leading roles in Madame Butterfly, Faust, LeNozze di Figaro, Wozzeck, Die Zauberflote, La Vida Breva, Oedipus Rex, Amahl and the Night Visitors, and the American premier of The Bear. She has performed recitals nationwide, and toured Europe with the Virginia Polytechnic Institute's Men's Glee Club as soloist for Brahms' Alto Rhapsody.

The Regents now salute this faculty member by naming Rosemary Russell associate professor emerita of music (voice).