An outstanding tennis player, Tony Aaronson ’59 left a lasting impression on the Clark University athletic program. He was a member of the men’s tennis team that had the best win-loss record over a four year span in Clark history (1955-59). He also compiled the best individual career winning percentage in Cougar men's tennis history.
Aaronson’s career highlights included winning the 1956 number one and number two singles titles as well as the number one doubles championship in 1958. He also made three appearances in the number two singles championship match from 1957-59. Aaronson captained the squad as a junior and capped off his career with only one loss in his senior season.
After graduating from Clark with a bachelor's degree in political science, Aaronson remained actively involved in his sport. He has won various tennis championships, including the Textile Association of Los Angeles (TALA) singles titles (1966-1970, 1990), TALA doubles titles (1967-1970), and the doubles and mixed doubles championships at the Warner Center Racquet Club (1979-1980). In addition, he has participated in several charity tournaments in the greater Los Angeles area.
The third men's tennis player to be inducted into Clark's Athletic Hall of Fame, Aaronson has shown continued support and dedication to the University and its athletic program over the years. In 1991, he founded the annual Neil Walsh '59 Memorial Tennis Tournament to honor the contributions of Walsh (Aaronson's teammate and friend) to the Clark tennis program. “Tony is a true gentleman in every respect, both on and off the court,” said long-time friend Tom Dolan ‘62. “He is a joy to be around in any environment — tennis or otherwise.”
Aaronson received an M.B.A. in 1989 from Pepperdine University, and he currently works for European and Asian Textile Mills. Tony and his wife Judy live in Los Angeles. They have three sons: Craig, Spencer, and Evan.
PRESENTER: J. Richard Aronson '59, Ph.D. '64 (teammate)
