Theodore Tellefsen (T. T.) and Elizabeth Herendeen Odell collection, 1916-2001

Theodore Tellefsen (T. T.) Odell was born on December 4, 1896, in Buffalo, New York. He was a member of the Hobart College class of 1920, recieved his MS from Cornell University in 1927 and his PhD 1934. Odell was an Instructor in Biology at Hobart and William Smith Colleges from 1921-1927, Assistant Professor of Biology 1927-1935, and Professor of Biology from 1935-1965. He was a member of the American Ornithologists' Union, the American Fisheries Society, the American Society for the Advancement of Science, the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, and many other scientific societies. Odell was Biologist for the New York State Conservation Department during the summers from 1927-1932. His published works include "Ecology of Freshwater Fishes," "Food of Orchard Birds," and "Life History and Ecological Relationships of the Alewife," among others.

During his college years T. T. Odell participated in the Chapel Choir, the Christian Association, and the wrestling and cross-country teams. He was also a reporter and associate editor of the Herald newspaper. He was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and was a charter member of The Crescent Club (now Kappa Sigma fraternity).

In 1922 Theodore T. Odell married Elizabeth Herendeen Odell, William Smith '22. Elizabeth (Betty) later served as Director of William Smith Alumnae Relations. The couple had 3 children: Theodore T. Odell Jr. Hobart '44, Edith Rapalee William Smith '45, and Alice Ham William Smith '56.

T. T. Odell retired from Hobart and William Smith Colleges in 1965 and was elected Professor Emeritus in June 1966. At commencement ceremonies in 1967 he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree from HWS. Theodore T. Odell died Feb. 8, 1974 after what was described as a long illness. All his life T. T. Odell was a devout Episcopalian, educator and lay leader of the church. Odell also was a member of the Geneva City Board of Education for 13 years, 10 of those years as its chairman. He received the Distinguished Faculty Award posthumously in 1998.

Elizabeth (Betty) Herendeen Odell was born in 1900 in Buffalo, NY, the daughter of an Episcopal minister. While a student at William Smith College she majored in history, was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and graduated magna cum laude in 1922. In 1952 she was appointed Alumnae Secretary, and later Director of William Smith Alumnae Relations, a post she held until her retirement in 1970. Upon her retirement she was named Executive Secretary Emerita of the William Smith Alumnae Association. At the commencement ceremonies in 1981 Elizabeth Odell was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters. Elizabeth was also very involved in the local Episcopal church, Geneva Home Improvement Corporation, the Geneva Food Cooperative, and the Geneva College Club. Elizabeth Herendeen Odell died in 1984.