Dinah Dodds, professor emerita of German, died peacefully at her home on September 12, 2019, at age 76, after a three-year battle with cancer.
Dodds earned her undergraduate degree from Pomona College and her MA and PhD from the University of Colorado at Boulder. In 1972, she began her career at Lewis & Clark, where she taught German language and literature for 36 years. Lewis & Clark became her home away from home. She was beloved by generations of students as well as by the faculty, many of whom she hired and mentored. She assumed many leadership roles, from department chair to dean of the Division of Arts and Humanities, and remained deeply involved in the life of the college even after her retirement.
Dodds had a lifelong love of music. For more than 40 years, she sang in the Oregon Repertory Singers, which enabled her to explore new repertoire, travel, and perform all over the world. Dodds was president of the board of directors of Portland’s Resonance Ensemble, serving on its board from 2014 until her death.
Dodds left a lasting mark on Lewis & Clark. “Like many, I was a recipient of Dinah’s generosity, optimism, and support over these many years,” says Bruce Suttmeier, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “I know I am not alone in being heartbroken at this news. She was the kindest and warmest of souls, and she will be greatly missed.”
The Dinah Dodds Endowment for International Education at Lewis & Clark provides grants to students to allow them to conduct research on overseas study programs and extend their study abroad experience. “This endowment honors Dinah’s commitment and carries forward her legacy in international education,” said Missy Vaux Hall, a longtime friend of Dodds who established the fund.
Dodds is survived by her two sisters, Deborah and Linda. Donations in her memory may be made to the Oregon Repertory Singers, the Resonance Ensemble, and/or the Dinah Dodds Endowment for International Education at Lewis & Clark.
