Kettering University

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From knapsack to boardroom

By Dawn Hibbard

Russell J. Ebeid ’62 is driven by two passions: a desire to make a difference in educational opportunities for under-served youth, mostly from immigrant families, and to stay close to his Lebanese heritage. These passions guide his philanthropy.

“The Russell J. Ebeid ’62 ACCESS Scholarship for Arab American Students” is designed to encourage young U.S. citizens of Arab-American heritage to attend Kettering University. It is estimated the fund will support up to 70 students over 25 years. Criteria considerations include U.S. citizenship, community service and academic achievement.

“Kettering University appreciates Mr. Ebeid giving today’s youth the same opportunities given to him through his education and co-op experience at Kettering/GMI,” said Vida Fisher, director of Corporate and Foundation Gifts at Kettering University. “Mr. Ebeid is a firm believer in cooperative education and Guardian Industries is a Kettering co-op partner. He believes in rolling up your sleeves and gaining the opportunity to grow through education and work,” she added.

The son of Lebanese immigrants, Ebeid grew up with a strong work ethic. Although neither of his parents finished high school, they instilled in him the value of hard work and strength of character. With their support, Ebeid rose from his working-class roots to become one of four directors of Guardian Industries and the president of the Guardian Glass Group, world leaders in glass, automotive and building products sciences.

“My dad was a knapsack immigrant,” he said. “He came here not knowing what he was looking for necessarily, but he knew what he was leaving behind. It’s hard to fathom the risks he must have taken in a new land, without money, language, or contacts,” Ebeid said, adding “I can’t even with certainty tell myself that I would have had the courage to make the journey.”

He has made a different journey, from the son of immigrants to the highest echelons of international business – the classic path to the American Dream. Along the way Ebeid has had many adventures and success stories, one of which includes securing a contract for the high-tech glass that will be installed in the Burj Dubai, the world’s tallest building. Now he is helping to secure the American Dream for generations to come.

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