USF Dedicates The Bill Russell Way

On Thursday, February 12, the University of San Francisco publicly dedicated its main campus thoroughfare, honoring the life and legacy of Bill Russell ’56.

USF unveiled The Bill Russell Way shortly before the evening’s main event, the Inaugural Bill Russell Impact Classic. Dons men’s basketball clashed with WCC opponents Oregon State in front of a passionate home crowd. The game was live broadcast nationally on ESPN, with a posthumous honorary doctorate presented to Bill Russell’s widow, Mrs. Jeannine Russell, during the second half.

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The game will be an annual feature on the USF basketball calendar, with ticket sales supporting the USF Bill Russell Emergency Relief Fund and Bill Russell 6 Foundation.

‘The Bill Russell Way’ refers to more than a walkway. Now and forever, it serves to amplify, through every student, faculty member, and visitor that passes through USF’s campus, the way in which Russell lived his life. 

Bill Russell was truly a cultural giant — a champion on the court and a champion for human rights and social justice off of it. He was an activist, a leader, and a person for others. He epitomized USF’s mission, and his name is now enshrined in the heart of the Hilltop.

Help USF students who are in the most need through the Bill Russell Emergency Relief Fund.