Cara Beste Rusell of Andalusia was named LBW Community College’s 2013 Outstanding during the commencement ceremony Friday night.

“We are proud of Cara Russell for her achievements when she was a student here, as well as all she has accomplished since graduating from LBW,” said LBWCC President Dr. Herb Riedel.

“She is a successful career woman, committed mother, and active community member. She is a long-standing and excellent ambassador of LBWCC and certainly deserves this recognition.”

While a student at LBW, Russell served as an officer of the Alpha Beta Eta chapter of Phi Theta Kappa international honor society. She was also a member of Mu Alpha Theta mathematics honor society and the Collegiate Civitan Club.

“Thinking back to those days, I was reminded of the excellent instructors, the valuable assistance from the administration, the community work of Phi Theta Kappa, and friends that I made,” Russell said.

“LBWCC has touched so many facets of my life. My education experience there laid the foundation for my success in acquiring my undergraduate and graduate degrees,” she said. In addition, she noted leadership skills gained at LBWCC that helped in her career as a business manager.

She graduated summa cum laude in 1987, and was named the Most Outstanding Student that year due to her excellent academic record and enthusiastic involvement in student activities.

Russell transferred to Troy University where she graduated magna cum laude in 1989, with a major in mathematics and minor in economics and business. After earning her MBA from Troy University in Montgomery in 1991, she returned to Andalusia where she became active in career, family, and community. She currently serves as the vice president of Walker Electric, Inc.

“She continues to be a major supporter of LBW,” Riedel said. “Through the years, she served three terms on the LBWCC Foundation board of directors, including serving as president. Under her leadership, the board raised more than $25,000 for scholarships at an annual fundraising event.”

She was also a driving force in raising funds for Dream Park, a children’s playground built on the LBWCC Andalusia campus and proven beneficial to the College and the community, he added.

Russell has invested her life in the community. In addition to being a devoted wife to Monty Rusell and mother to Carter and Michaelyn, she served several years as treasurer of the Andalusia Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization and president of the Andalusia Middle School Parent Teacher Organization.

She also served as president of the Andalusia Junior Women’s Club where she has been a member for 15 years. She also served two terms on the Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and several years on the scholarship committee of the Andalusia Health Services, Inc.