Erected in 1965, the Frank Neill Rush Gymnasium honors a man long prominent in the history of Occidental College, as a distinguished athlete and alumnus, and a member of the Board of Trustees.

Frank Rush was born in Charles City, Iowa, in 1886 and graduated from Occidental College in 1909, where he was an outstanding track athlete and member of a record setting relay team. For his prowess in track and football, he became known as "Speedy." In 1912, he married his classmate Eloise Strobridge. Their three daughters graduated from Occidental. He was elected to the Occidental Board of Trustees in 1926 and served faithfully and continuously until his death in 1974, with two terms as board chairman. Occidental honored him in 1957 with the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws, recognizing his outstanding service to the College, career achievements, and numerous contributions to the civic and cultural life of the greater Los Angeles community.

Upon his graduation from Occidental, Frank Rush accepted a position with Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company as a traffic inspector. In 1928 he was named Vice President and General Manager of the Bell System for Southern California, and in 1950 was named Vice President of the company.

Following retirement in 1951, Mr. Rush served for two years on the staff of the United States Commissioner for Austria as Communications and Transportation Representative.

By Jean Paule