Marie Eccles Caine Foundation - Russell Family Gives $5.5 Million to Utah State University

Utah State University has received a transformative $5.5 million gift from the Marie Eccles Caine Foundation – Russell Family to strengthen programs in the arts, agriculture and history for generations to come.

The largest portion of the gift — $5 million — will establish the Caine Endowed Directorship in the Caine School of the Arts, ensuring ongoing programmatic excellence in the visual and performing arts. The remaining $500,000 will create and enhance scholarships in dairy science and history, furthering the family’s tradition of supporting both the arts and sciences at USU.

Nicholas Morrison, Cazier Professor of Clarinet in the Department of Music and director of the Caine School of the Arts, will be the first to hold the endowed directorship. As director, Morrison oversees programs such as the Lyric Repertory Company, the Visiting Artists and Scholars Series, Caine Ensembles, and the Caine Scholars programs for graduate and undergraduate students in the arts.

“This gift is both a continuation of a remarkable legacy and an investment in USU’s future,” said USU Interim President Alan L. Smith. “The Caine and Russell families have long believed in the power of education and the arts to enrich communities. Their generosity will ensure that students in the arts, agriculture and history have the resources to excel.”

When establishing the endowments, Marie Russell-Shaw, trustee of the foundation, reflected on the family’s motivation.

“With these endowments, we are prioritizing the importance of educating the next generation in the arts and sciences, inspiring curiosty, creativity and innovation to benefit humanity for generations to come,” Russell-Shaw said.

Joseph P. Ward, dean of the new College of Arts & Sciences, underscored how the directorship endowment strengthens the university’s mission.“The arts are an essential part of Utah State’s land-grant mission,” Ward said. “They connect us to our shared humanity, foster creativity and innovation, and prepare our students to lead meaningful lives of contribution. As the new College of Arts & Sciences begins its work, this endowment embodies our commitment to integrating the arts with the sciences and humanities to serve both our students and our communities.”

Morrison expressed his gratitude and commitment as the inaugural endowed director.

“My colleagues and I are deeply grateful to the Marie Eccles Caine Foundation – Russell family for their decades of visionary support for the arts at Utah State University and throughout our community,” Morrison said. “This capstone gift ensures their impact will continue to enrich the lives of our students for generations to come. It is a true honor to serve in a position that carries the Caine name as we work together to uphold and advance the family’s remarkable legacy of excellence and service.”

The gift also honors the lives and legacies of Marie Eccles Caine (1892-1981) and George Ballif Caine (1889-1969), who each left a profound mark on USU and the state of Utah. Marie was a passionate advocate for the arts, studying at the Chicago Art Institute and the Art Students League of New York before returning to Logan, where she and her husband, George, raised their family. George, a dairy science pioneer and longtime head of USU’s Dairy Industry Department, advanced agricultural education and research in Utah for decades.

Marie’s daughter Manon Caine Russell (1931-2017) and son-in-law Dan C. Russell (1930-2017) championed the arts in northern Utah for much of their lives. Today, their children — Marie Russell-Shaw, Daniel C. Russell and David E. Russell — carry forward the family’s deep commitment to the university and community.

The additional scholarship funds will:

• Support dairy science students through the George Ballif Caine Dairy Student Scholarship, aiding those pursuing careers in animal and dairy science or veterinary science.
• Support history students through the George Ellsworth American History Scholarship and the J. Duncan Brite Non-American History Scholarship, recognizing excellence in both U.S. and world history.

“The Caine and Russell family legacy at USU is extraordinary,” Smith said. “Their generosity will continue to shape our students and programs well into the future.”