ODU Pioneer Rufus Tonelson Dies

Rufus Tonelson, a former Old Dominion administrator and well-known alumnus, died after a short illness Aug. 6, 2006, at the age of 94, in Norfolk.

Tonelson’s affiliation with ODU dates to 1930, when he
was one of the first three students to enroll at the university, then known as the Norfolk Division of the College of William and Mary. He lettered in basketball and baseball
and was inducted into the ODU Sports Hall of Fame.

Tonelson went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in biology and master’s in guidance and personnel work, both from William and Mary. In 1963, he earned a doctorate in education administration from Michigan State University.

He was a teacher, coach and administrator in the Norfolk Public Schools for more than 25 years, serving as principal of Maury High School from 1955-66. His actions to support desegregation during the time of massive resistance set an example in teaching tolerance and acceptance.

Tonelson joined Old Dominion in 1966 as a professor of education. He later was named dean of the Darden School of Education. In 1972, he assumed the position of assistant to the president for school and community relations and a year later was named the affirmative action and equal employment opportunity officer. He retired in 1976 with the title of professor emeritus.

Tonelson received both the Distin-guished Alumni Award and University Medal, ODU’s highest honor. The Alumni Association named its outstanding faculty award the Alan Rufus Tonelson Award, and Webb Center’s Tonelson Garden was dedicated in his honor.

Claire Ackiss ’99, former director of alumni relations, fondly remembers her association with Tonelson.

“Rufus was a gentleman and a gentle man. Of all the alumni I met and worked with over the last 21 years, he was one of our most distinguished graduates. Rufus leaves behind a legacy of caring for the future of all our children through his tireless efforts in support of education.”
Tonelson received many service awards, as well as awards from the United Jewish Federation and the National Conference of Christians and Jews.

He is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, Sara Hamburg Tonelson; two sons, Louis O. Tonelson and Stephen W. Tonelson, professor of early childhood education at ODU; and four grandchildren.

Memorial donations may be made to the Tonelson Athletic Scholarship at ODU.