ATHENS- Joel S. Rudy, 82, of Athens, Ohio and Fort Myers Beach, Florida, and Ohio University Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Emeritus passed in Athens on December 23, 2023 following an extended illness.
Born January 20, 1941 in Brooklyn, New York, Joel was the son of Sidney and Selma Rudy. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Melvyn, and sister Lois Rudy DelRisco. Joel is survived by: his loving wife of 58 years, Marlene; daughter Lisa; son Brian, daughter-in-law Julia, and grandsons Nathan and Owen; sister-in-law Francine; nieces Ilene Rudy-Slatkin, Adriene Fern, Nina Ferreira, and Allison Venter; and nephew Hal.
Most widely known for his time at Ohio University in his role as Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, Joel amassed over 40 years of work in higher education. Educated at Erasmus Hall High School in Brooklyn, Joel earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology at Bethany College (WV), his Master of Arts in Sociology at Kent State University (OH), and was certified in Educational Management at Harvard University (MA).
His career began at Kent State University (OH), then to Hunter College (NY), continuing to the University of Miami (FL), returning to Kent State University (OH) in roles of increasing responsibility. Joel and his family moved to Athens when he joined Ohio University in 1976, beginning a legacy of dedication to student and leadership development. Joel's commitment to student success was legendary in the Athens and University communities. He was dedicated to diversity and inclusion, fostering a culture of empathy and unity.
Following his retirement from Ohio University, he shared his expertise in both personal and organizational leadership to give back to his national fraternity as Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Phi Kappa Tau.
Joel's compassion extended to everyone he met. From front-line service staff to international leaders, he treated all with warmth, respect, and sincerity. Even when interactions become challenging, his caring for individual perspectives extended beyond difficult situations.
Known affectionately to many as "Dean Rudy," Joel was a benevolent mentor and coach, guiding with a wise and gentle hand, a silent partner over the decades to so many people's personal journeys and professional endeavors.
In addition to his role as an executive, he was often seen walking the halls and brick paths of Ohio University in countless impromptu chats and in more formal student organization and committee meetings with students, staff and faculty... his organizational leadership and time management courses being particular favorites.
His compassionate commitment to "something bigger than himself" extended to his roles on the boards of Athens City Schools, the local chapters of the American Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity, My Sister's Place, Ohio University’s Hillel Center for Jewish Life, local Boy Scout unit, the Athens Photographic Project, the Privateer condominium community, and many others.
Joel was a champion of his students. He was a champion of character. He was a champion of love. Foremost, he was a champion to his family, and that family was broad, stretching beyond his cousins and close family friends: Joel never met a stranger. His quick and sincere warmth set even the most nervous freshman at ease. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched, in the values his children and grandchildren hold dear, and in the lives of those he encouraged along the way.
Given the challenges of seasonal weather and the ability of family and friends to travel this time of year, Joel was laid to rest in an interfaith, private graveside service with his immediate family. A Celebration of Life will be held May 18, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Ohio University Inn and Conference Center, 331 Richland Ave., Athens.
We wish to express our sincere gratitude to our friends at Ohio University's Hillel and Christ The King University Parish, Joel’s medical teams, the caring staff at the Laurels, our family, friends and caregivers.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Rudy Student Leadership Award (made payable to The Ohio University Foundation - with “Rudy Student Leadership Award” in the memo line, P.O. Box 869, Athens OH 45701); or to medical research institutes most meaningful to you and your family, such as dementia research programs within the Alzheimer’s Association (http://act.alz.org/). Arrangements are with Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, Athens. Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.
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