Writings & Remarks

Russel A. Bantham Jr. 63, P’89, ’92

August 10, 2026

Tags In Memoriam

Dear Faculty and Staff Colleagues, and Current and Former Members of the Board of Trustees,

I am writing to share the sad news that Russel A. Bantham Jr. ’63, P’89, ’92, a former alumni trustee and the 2001 recipient of the Volunteer of the Year Award, has died.

Russ came to Hamilton from New Hartford. Following graduation, he earned his law degree from the University of Chicago and worked in private practice. After a few years, he began a quarter-century career with Bristol-Myers Company, retiring in 1994 to become executive vice president and general counsel of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America in Washington.

Throughout his career, Russ always found time for Hamilton, serving as president of the Alumni Association from 1982 to 1984 and alumni trustee from 1990 to 1994. He also was an active volunteer for multiple capital campaigns, and supported the work of the Levitt Center, the Career Center, and the Admission Office. He and his wife of 62 years, Ann, regularly hosted Hamilton events at their home in the DC area. The Volunteer of the Year citation recognizing his service read, in part, “The College’s strength and standing is largely derived from the generous commitment of its alumni to volunteer efforts on its behalf. ... Among those faithful volunteers, none has a more consistent and exemplary record of service than you. … Truly, you are not only the volunteer of the year, but of a multitude of years.”

Russ and Ann established a scholarship to honor Ann’s father, Kenneth J. Watkins, Class of 1925, who taught at Utica Free Academy for many years. It is awarded to a student with financial need and an interest in science. At his 50th Reunion in 2013, while listening to the alumni choir rehearse in the Chapel, Russ had the idea to create a College Song contest. Forty songs were entered in the competition, and at the following Class & Charter Day, “I Left My Heart on the Hill” by Riley Stepnick ’12 made its debut.

Russ was a warm, genuine, and loyal alumnus. He remained an active supporter of the College throughout his life, most recently attending the Couper Guild meeting in June. 

On behalf of the Hamilton community, I extend our heartfelt sympathy to Ann, sons Andrew ’89 and Greg ’92, and daughter Amy.

Steven