The Legacy of Russell Joseph Ebeid
February 9, 1940 -
July 30, 2017
The Early Years
Russell was born on February 9, 1940 to Theresa (Salameh) and
Joseph Ebeid. Joseph emigrated from Lebanon to Detroit, Michigan
in 1919. He met and married Theresa on a visit to his homeland in
Lebanon. They were the proud parents of two sons: Russell and Fred.
Russell once stated that his heroes were his parents “who were
knapsack immigrants who came to the United States (from Lebanon)
without money, language, or contacts … Their core values taught us
that unselfishness, consideration of others, conscientious service,
honesty, and measured decision-making were the currencies of life.”
Carolee Ebeid
Carolee Cram was born to William and Mary Cram on October
23, 1940. She was the youngest of eleven children. Carolee
met Russell while attending Holy Redeemer High School. They
married on February 11, 1961. She was a dedicated and
supportive spouse during their nearly 57 years together, having
known each other for more than 62 years.
Family
Russell and Carolee had four children; Kevin, Evon, Carrie and Scott.
Career
Russell was a renowned world business leader, philanthropist, and adamant supporter of higher education. He received his Bachelor's degree in
Electrical Engineering in 1963, a Master of Science degree in Industrial Engineering in 1967, and has received two Honorary Doctoral degrees in
Management and Public Service. Mr. Ebeid began his career as a senior mechanical engineer at General Motors in 1963 and transitioned to Guardian
Industries in May 1970.
As former Chairman of the Board and President of the Glass Group of Guardian Industries, Mr. Ebeid was a pioneer in the flat glass industry, a key initiator
and coach of Guardian’s growth, and right hand to business genius and Detroit Pistons owner, the late Bill Davidson. A pinnacle in his amazing career
included the contract for the high-tech glass installed in the Burj Dubai, the world’s tallest building.
In 2008, he was featured in USGlass magazine’s list of the Glass Industry’s 50 Most Influential People.
Russell retired in 2011 after 41 years with the company, and after visiting more than 84 countries, opening plants all over the
world.
For his professional work, Russell has been honored worldwide. He has been named among “Who’s Who in America” and
“Who’s Who in the World” since 1991, was named the National Arab American Business Man of the Year in 2003, entered the
Hall of Fame at Wayne State University, and was inducted into the National Commission for Cooperative Education in 2009. In
2010 he was recognized as the Trader of the Year for his work in promoting international trade. Recently he was awarded the
Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
He has been an honored guest with the Kings of Belgium, Jordon, Luxembourg, and Spain, the Queen of England, the Chancellor
of Germany, Presidents of Russia and Venezuela, the Crown Prince of the United Arab Emirates, and the last Communist Prime
Minister of Hungary. In this capacity, governments have knighted him with the Order of Merit three times.
Despite his fame and legendary accomplishments, Mr. Ebeid has never let his success go to his head. He was always grateful for
his life and remained modest. He has been described by many as a brilliant businessman who is generous, humble and
honorable. He gives the credit to his parents, hard work, Mr. Davidson, and a Catholic nun, who was his high school English
teacher, Sister Paracleta.
Legacy
Russell has dedicated his life to helping others. He is the primary benefactor of the Ebeid
Hospice Residence of Toledo; the Ebeid Student Center, the Ebeid Educational Hall, and
the Ebeid Athletic Center at Lourdes University; and The Ebeid Institute for Population
Health in Toledo. He has also made significant contributions to Trinity Health Oakland
Hospital and the Russell J. Ebeid Children’s Hospital in Toledo.
The Ebeid Family Scholarship Fund allows underserved students to attend Kettering
University, Wayne State University, Lourdes University, the University of Michigan,
University of Toledo, Michigan Technological University, and Cristo Rey High School. To
honor his parents, he provides scholarships to Lebanese students in their ancestral home.
Russell was the lead patron of the Emmy Award-winning documentary
“Our story of Arab Americans,” and the Co-Producer of a medical film
titled, "Ageing of Men".
Russell is a longtime supporter of ACCESS (Arab Community Center
for Economic and Social Services) and its Arab American National
Museum, and the Center for Arab American Philanthropy. In 2008, he
was the first recipient of the "Making an Impact Award" by ACCESS.
Russell has served as a Trustee of the Arab American National
Museum, Toledo based Promedica Health Systems, and Lourdes
University. He previously served as Director of the William Davidson
Institute at the University of Michigan.
At the heart of all Russell Ebeid’s generous philanthropy was a lasting
belief in giving people a hand up, not a handout. He was a firm
believer in the value of education as a means to improving life.
The Ebeid Family continues to support the causes that were important
to Russell through the Ebeid Family Foundation.
Painting that hangs at at the entrance to the Ebeid
Children’s Hospital in Toledo, OH
Significance of Elements in the Portrait:
Posing of Russell - reflects his belief in offering a hand up rather than a handout.
Photograph of his parents - His parents instilled in him the value of hard work and strength of
character.
The Making an Impact Award - Presented by ACCESS, May 10, 2008.
Ellis Island Award/Congressional Medal - Awarded in 2013 This award honors the importance of
immigration to America’s prosperity
Gorby - Gorby, one of several dogs owned by Russell, was perhaps, his favorite.
Backgammon Board - Passed down to him from his father.
Guardian Industries Lapel Pin - Retired from Guardian as Chairman of its board
Glass Chandelier - Designed by Jordon Valley Glassworks, it symbolizes his work in the glass industry.
Luxembourg Ambassador’s Red Pin - Acknowledges Guardian’s contribution to their economy.
Promedica Children’s Hospital Graphic - Used to promote the renaming of the hospital.
Children’s drawings -
A Family in the Sun - Russell recognized that his children have their own interests and should all share
their own part of the sun.
Russell’s table - He welcomed all to a seat at his table.
Calculus Homework - Russell loved sharing the story of his father looking over his shoulder watching
him do his calculus homework.