NCSSM is mourning the loss of a beloved teacher and Durham Chair of Mathematics. Dr. Tamar Avineri, who joined NCSSM in 2004, resolved her battle with cancer in the warm morning hours of Thursday, May 1, with family by her side.

So great was Avineri’s passion for her work at NCSSM that, throughout her illness, she continued to teach and work as Durham Chair of Mathematics until late April. Her passion for teaching and dedication to her students were recognized by the UNC System Board of Governors in 2024 with their Award for Excellence in Teaching. She received a medal and a cash prize at last year’s Commencement in Durham.

Avineri fostered deep relationships with her colleagues both in and outside of the mathematics department in her 21 years at NCSSM. In a 2024 profile of her published on the school’s website, she reflected on those relationships, and the place that NCSSM held in her heart.

“I love my work, I love my students, and I love my colleagues,” Avineri said. “I have so many dear friends here, and I feel such an overwhelming sense of support from them all. NCSSM is not just my employer; it’s family, too, and I want to remain here as long as I’m able.”

She did. And as evidenced by the words below from a number of those who knew her, NCSSM considered her family as well, where many are broken-hearted that she could not have been with us longer. As is the case with truly special people, however, the memories and legacy she leaves behind will comfort and inspire for many, many years to come.

The following reflections, which have been edited for length and clarity, are only a handful of the many tributes that Avineri’s friends and colleagues have shared. Please scroll to the bottom of the page to learn more about how she touched the lives of those who knew her, as well as a scholarship being created in her memory.

Beth Bumgardner – Dean of Mathematics, NCSSM

Tamar was a truly exceptional human being whose presence left a lasting mark on all of us at NCSSM. As a colleague, her professionalism and unwavering dedication to putting students first set a standard of excellence. She approached every decision with compassion and a genuine desire to support and uplift those around her. Her positive attitude and willingness to help touched the lives of students and colleagues alike.

As a friend, Tamar’s warmth and connection made her approachable and comforting. She had an extraordinary ability to make everyone feel seen and valued. Her legacy of kindness, student-centeredness, and professionalism has enriched our school and our lives, and her influence will continue to inspire us.

Tracy White – mathematics instructor, NCSSM-Durham

Tamar was more than a colleague to me. Tamar was my friend! We met in 2011 at NC State during our doctoral studies and graduated together in 2016. 

I never knew that we would cross paths in our professional careers, yet I am thankful for the opportunities that I have had to work with Tamar. When I found out that NCSSM was hiring . . . she was the first person I reached out to. I enjoyed working with Tamar in various capacities at NCSSM and on UNC System Office initiatives. Tamar was a true leader! The work she did and the contributions she made will never be forgotten. Tamar was one of the nicest and most genuine people that I have ever met and I am not just saying that. I have never encountered a person who could find the positive in any situation! I will forever be inspired by her commitment to mathematics education and will remember her strength and courage in the face of adversity. 

Christine Belledin – mathematics instructor, NCSSM-Durham

Tamar was who I went to when I needed to see light in darkness. She was such a positive person who looked for the best in every situation and every person, and she loved this school and this community. She loved working with students and colleagues and was always the first to volunteer for any task. This was not out of duty or obligation; she was always genuinely excited to take on new jobs and new challenges.

Tamar was unfailingly kind, gentle, and humble. She took the time to get to know everyone she worked with, and was an incredible listener. If you were going through a difficult time, you were likely to find a card from Tamar on your desk with words of empathy and encouragement. She always seemed to know when you needed a hug, a kind word, or a shoulder to lean on.

Dan Teague – Faculty Emeritus, NCSSM-Durham

I remember interviewing Tamar in the summer of 2004. We asked her what she would most like to teach. She said that one of her dreams was to teach number theory. And, a few years later, I remember her almost running into my office with tears of joy as she told me she was scheduled to teach Number Theory in the spring.

Tamar Avineri was one of the most kind, thoughtful, and generous people I have ever known. She loved teaching mathematics, she loved NCSSM, and most of all, she loved working with students. She was also brave. Not just in dealing with her cancer, but in being willing to try new things, to explore new possibilities, and accept new responsibilities.

Michelle Rutowski – mathematics program associate, NCSSM-Durham

Tamar was an extraordinary person. She was, without question, the kindest, most supportive, most positive person I have ever known, and someone I am proud to call a dear friend. She impacted literally thousands of people besides her family and friends: students, faculty, staff, and alums of NCSSM of course, but also people around the world who knew her through her many educational collaborations, teaching, presentations, tutoring, and day-to-day life.

From encounters with a stranger in a coffee shop (Bean Traders, of course!) to people she met along her journey, to dear friends, she was the same wonderful person: someone who was curious about YOU, curious about all aspects of life (math, people, education, Mickey Mouse and Disney, theater, puzzles, music, etc, etc, etc!). She was never focused on herself. 

She was amazing, and I hope to honor her each day by being a little more like her; quicker to listen without speaking, quicker to think of others first, quicker to stop to REALLY see and hear the person in front of me, quicker to accept and find the joy in every challenge, and quicker to relish each experience and encounter that I have.

Todd Roberts – Chancellor, NCSSM

I am deeply saddened by Tamar’s passing. Over the past 15 years I have developed a tremendous sense of appreciation for Tamar as a colleague and person. She was an incredible mathematician and teacher, and an even better person. Tamar’s was a deeply impactful life, for NCSSM, her colleagues at our school, the UNC System and the broader math community, and for the many students she taught and mentored and who adored her.

Katie O’Connor – Provost & Vice Chancellor for Academic Programs, NCSSM

Tamar was loved and respected across the entire NCSSM family. In the 10 years I knew Tamar, I admired her student-centered approach to every facet of her work. Her guiding philosophy in teaching and leadership was making every decision by first considering “what’s best for the student” and “how can we support the student.” Her expertise and leadership were integral in transforming our previous advising model into the inaugural Center for Advising and Academic Success that serves all Residential and Online students. Tamar put others’ needs before her own every day. She approached each situation with positive intent. Her impact on our NCSSM community is immeasurable.

Ryan Severance – mathematics instructor, NCSSM-Durham

Tamar was the first person I met when I was offered my position at NCSSM. From the moment I stepped on campus, she made sure the transition went as smoothly as possible and answered every question imaginable. I will never forget the conversations I had with her after she sat in on one of my classes, and the wisdom and insight that she shared about teaching mathematics. Her love for mathematics and teaching is something that I will always remember. 

Tamar not only invested in me as a professional but also invested time with my family. She became very close to my oldest daughter Addison as they have a shared love for Mickey Mouse. She would always ask how my family was doing at the start of every week all because she cared about everyone who crossed her path. I never thought someone could become such a good friend in such a short amount of time, but Tamar truly became one of my closest friends and mentors at NCSSM and she will not be forgotten.

Ashley Loftis ’07 – mathematics instructor, NCSSM-Durham

I first met Tamar during our time together at NC State, but it wasn’t until I accepted my current position that I truly got to know her. I vividly remember feeling incredibly nervous about the interview process, until I saw Tamar. Her warm encouragement in that moment gave me the confidence I needed, and that moment turned out to be a reflection of who she consistently was.

Throughout our time together, Tamar was one of the most positive and uplifting people I have ever known. Whether I came to her for professional guidance or simply to chat, she always responded with kindness and unwavering support. She made me feel like I was capable of anything. She never made me feel less for asking questions and worked intentionally to create an inclusive environment where everyone felt valued. As I got to know her better, I came to admire not just her dedication to the work, but also her deep dedication to people. Tamar genuinely wanted those around her to grow not only as educators but as individuals. 

Floyd Bullard ’87 – mathematics instructor, NCSSM-Durham

Several years ago I learned, very much to my surprise, that Tamar was enjoying a Dungeons and Dragons campaign. We began sharing stories about our characters’ adventures. Hers was a mage named Shava.

Last fall Tamar went to a Renaissance Fair and acquired for me a leather pouch with a metal dragon on it. I said that I would keep in it my magic pipe. Tamar knew what I was talking about; I had no pipe, but my character Booger did. Not long after, Tamar gave me another gift: a lovely pipe to go in the pouch. Just like Booger’s.

The pouch and the pipe now sit on my desk at home, reminders of Tamar’s ever generous spirit. I had held out hope that someday Shava might have adventures in a new campaign with some character of mine that I’d not yet created. It wasn’t meant to be, not in this world, but I like to think that part of Shava’s spirit is in the pouch, and in the magic pipe, and that as long as they’re near me she will be too.

Cheryl Beierschmitt (Gann), former mathematics instructor and chair, NCSSM-Durham

I had the great privilege of working with Tamar for 17 years. Throughout my time at NCSSM, Tamar and I would pop into one another’s office to chat about teaching, hobbies, and just life. I am so grateful that our friendship continued with monthly meetups after I left NCSSM. 

I’m not exaggerating when I say that Tamar was the kindest person I have ever met. She had a remarkable ability to see the positives in every situation and see the strength and beauty in every person. This helped make her an excellent educator, an exceptional colleague, an extraordinary friend, and an all-around amazing human. Tamar was brilliant, thoughtful, and so strong. She was a fighter.

Tamar loved building connections with people. She had a warmth of character that radiated to touch those who knew her. She truly and deeply cared for others. When you shared good news with Tamar you could tell she truly shared your joy. When you shared pain and worry, you could tell she genuinely empathized.

I am better for having spent time with Tamar and will forever cherish memories with her and the way she loved life. 

Efforts are already underway to honor Avineri’s life through the establishment of the Dr. Tamar Avineri Legacy Scholarship Fund, which is being created by Dr. Avineri’s family. Click here to learn more about how to participate.

A celebration of life is being planned for later in the summer, details of which will be shared once they are finalized.

To see more quotes from Avineri’s friends and colleagues, or to share your own memories of her, please click here.