Excellence in the classroom, and on the football field, was more than enough to lure Russ Gronewold ’84, to Midland University.

Russ is being recognized with the Midland University Alumni Achievement Award during Homecoming weekend. He will be honored during the Alumni & Legacy Awards Brunch on Sunday, Sept. 28th at 11 a.m. at the Wikert Event Center.

As a high school senior in the small town of Adams, Nebraska, Russ was searching for a place he could pursue a career in accounting, as well as continue playing football. 

“In the year I was being recruited (1979) Midland was producing more CPAs for the largest accounting firms in the world than any other college in Nebraska,” he said. “The football team also went to the playoffs that year. I wanted to be around that excellence.”

Along with playing football, Russ was also involved in jazz choir and band, Alpha Lambda Delta, Blue Key, Student Senate, Kappa Alpha Lambda fraternity, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Russ has spent the past five years as CEO at Bryan Health after serving in a variety of roles at Bryan prior to that.

“I never had a desire to be in healthcare or become a CEO, but God kept pulling me back in those directions,” Russ said. “I was truly surprised to be asked to become CEO. I enjoy working with my team and we work in a noble industry, we’re sneaky competitive, and we are more interested in the success of others than ourselves. It’s a treat to work in that type of environment.”

Russ also spent a four-year period in the late 1980s as an Associate Professor in the accounting and finance areas at Midland. “One of my great joys is running into a past student of mine who is now succeeding in business,” he said.

He is proud to be recognized with this award and said it speaks volumes about the impact Midland has made on his career and life. “It’s humbling to be recognized among the many deserving,” he said. “I receive a lot of recognition for the work of my team, and if you believe all work is equally valuable, then all deserve to be recognized. Midland produces so many outstanding students, and maybe the success I have had can encourage them to keep saying yes to the opportunities God brings their way.”

Russ has been married to his wife, Jane, for 39 years. They have four children (Caleb and his wife Allie, Anna, Becca and her husband Drew, and Sara, along with two grandchildren, Vin and Titus).