Join us for our weekly “Rock Reflections,” a series celebrating Trinity alumni. From 48 states to countries worldwide, our graduates are making an impact, and we'll share their stories on Trinity's website and social media.
This week's profile is about Russ Read '71
Russ Read is a Trinity alumnus who lives his faith.
Russ came to Trinity from Holy Trinity Catholic School, not knowing how the decision to attend Trinity would affect his life.
As a sophomore, Russ joined the football team and was a member of Trinity’s first football state championship team in 1968.
“I was on the scout team and a tackling dummy,” Russ said, laughing. “My favorite play was my last play on the scout team.”
Russ also was a member of the Drama Club, which was moderated by Rev. Ted Sans H’05. Russ was an actor in “Macbeth” and a member of the technical crew for “South Pacific.”
Additionally, he served on the Student Council for four years. He was a member of the first Grievance Committee. In 1971, it passed the rules regarding the dress code and hair length for Trinity students.
Russ remembers several of his teachers.
“Sister Jane Hall was a great chemistry teacher,” he recalled. “Thomas Sheeran was one of my favorite English teachers. Paul DeZarn also taught English and moderated that Grievance Committee.”
“We had a structured schedule, accountability, fellowship and lots of fun,” Russ said about his student days.
He was honored by the faculty with the Ed Nolan Service Award at the end of his senior year.
After graduating from Trinity in 1971, Russ traveled north to Cincinnati to attend Xavier University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in communications.
“I knew I wanted to go into electronic media,” Russ said. “I spent my four years at Xavier learning and performing at the campus television and radio facilities.”
He later earned a master’s degree from Bellarmine University.
A two-time Emmy Award winner, Russ enjoyed a 40-year career in television broadcast, production and marketing in Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio, and at WAVE-3 in Louisville. He opened the first digital television and film production company in Charlotte, North Carolina. After moving home to Louisville in 2000, Russ worked for the Harris Corporation as a broadcast sales, marketing and product manager, helping clients such as the Weather Channel, Discovery Channel, PGA and the Golf Channel.
After working as the executive vice president of Statmon Technologies, Russ was given the opportunity to become the CEO of Beacon House Aftercare in Louisville. Beacon House provides a positive, safe and accountable environment for men to strengthen their recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.
Russ also is one of three co-founders of the Kentucky Harm Reduction Coalition. The mission of the KyHRC is to reduce overdoses and deaths due to substance addiction, lessen the stigma associated with addiction, and offer harm-reduction solutions, which include improving public health in Kentucky and Southern Indiana.
Among his many accomplishments, Russ is most proud of arranging external intensive outpatient treatment for newly detoxed and admitted residents of Beacon House at local treatment facilities. This intensive outpatient program measurably reduced resident turnover and relapse.
Russ hopes to continue his work with men and women struggling with substance abuse, to reduce the stigma and barriers to recovery, and to provide education, awareness and treatment options to those seeking recovery for themselves, family members and friends.
In 2019, Russ was awarded the Trinity Peace Medal for his exemplary work and dedication. He also was inducted into the Trinity Hall of Fame. In 2020, the Catholic Education Foundation honored Russ at its annual Salute to Catholic School Alumni Dinner.
Russ credits Trinity for part of his inspiration to help others.
“Trinity provided the education, guidance and life skills to build my spiritual life and self-esteem and learn to trust God,” he said. “In 1971, Trinity was the finest Catholic school in the city that accepted any young man that wanted to learn. It is still that way today with many more opportunities and a curriculum that addresses real-life challenges as well as victories, friendship and family.
Russ is as an outstanding example of someone who has honored the dignity of all people and demonstrated his compassion for the marginalized people of our society. Through his current position, and his dedication to education, empowerment and advocacy, he has touched and enriched the lives of many.
Additionally, he has continued to serve Trinity. He regularly attends the monthly Alumni Mass, which is celebrated by Rev. David Zettel ’58 in Trinity’s chapel at 7:20 a.m. on the third Wednesday of each month. He’s an Alumni Class Agent and helps plan his class’s reunions. He also participates in Alumni Association community service projects, Alumni Retreat and Alumni Phonathon for financial aid.
“I stand ready to volunteer for the Phonathon and any Trinity community activity,” Russ said. “I encourage all alumni to be involved in some way.”
Russ and his wife, Terri, have been married for 50 years and are members at Holy Trinity
Catholic Church and have two sons, Justin and Michael.
Share an alumni story!
Do you know a Trinity alumnus with a compelling story? Please reach out to Travis Wagoner '90, Alumni Relations & Communications Director, at 502-736-2122 or wagoner@trinityrocks.com.
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