Russell Carter Jr. ’61

When Brother Carter reflects on his experience at the University of Arizona, he believes that he spent the best years of his college career with a group of men who shared a similar dedication and love for the close-knit family atmosphere found in the Gamma-Rho chapter. Despite leaving the UA to complete his Bachelor of Science Degree at San Diego State University, Brother Carter attributes many of the qualities that define him as a professional and family man back to Kappa Sigma and the chapter. As a member of Gamma-Rho, Brother Carter led by example, helping to establish in others the lessons that he learned as an active. He says that his only regret was not completing his degree at the UA.

But luckily for himself, his family, and especially the chapter, Brother Carter may have left the chapter physically, but his legacy and devotion live on. Both his brother, Richard Carter .65, and son Rusty Carter .94 were initiated into the fraternity, helping to reclaim his stake in the chapter despite residing miles away. After Rusty pledged Gamma-Rho, Brother Carter reconnected with the chapter by serving on the House Corporation. During his time on the Board, he helped lead the charge to rebuild the Chapter House and resurrect strong alumni communication. Just as he did as an active, Brother Carter led by example, effectively changing the climate of the Kappa Sigma fraternity life for years to come.

After graduating in 1966, Brother Carter began working as a claim specialist for State Farm Insurance Companies. After 13 years, he established the Russ Carter Insurance Agency in 1979 in El Cajon, CA. His career success has been marked with numerous distinctions and honors, including earning Legion of Honor status, and the designation as two-time Millionaire Club Qualifier.

Brother Carter has also been a stellar member of the El Cajon community. He is a past board member of the Foothills United Methodist Church and coached both girls and boys youth soccer and baseball. A consummate family man, Brother Carter is a dedicated father and husband. Despite all the time spent helping others, his primary commitment has been to his family, which speaks volumes about his character and focus in life.

To sum up his past and current experience at Gamma-Rho, Brother Carter said, “My reconnection with Gamma-Rho, when my son pledged in 1993, only confirmed my fond memories. Nothing had changed, just some new faces.”