Edward Dodge, 1936–2023

The Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future (CLF) and the public health community will deeply miss one of its most devoted colleagues and supporters, Dr. Edward Dodge, MPH ‘67, who died in September at the age of 87. The Center enjoyed a a long and wonderful friendship with Ed and his family, beginning in 1997 when he helped to support its first big event, a three-day conference that addressed food security and social justice. Over many years, Ed participated joyfully in Center events, asking thoughtful questions and engaging with event speakers and participants in a meaningful way.

In 1999, the Edward and Nancy Dodge Lecture was established to honor Dr. Edward Dodge and his late wife Nancy for their generous support of the Center for a Livable Future. The annual lecture supports bringing a distinguished visiting scholar to the Bloomberg School to address the public health implications of ecosystem change resulting from our personal and policy choices, and has hosted distinguished guests such as leading voices Wendell Berry (2016), Marion Nestle (2010), Winona LaDuke (2012) and Dan O’Brien (2019), United Nation Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, Olivier De Schutter (2011), and Patrick Holden, founder of the Sustainable Food Trust (2015). Also included in the roster are Dennis Keeney (2000) and Fred Kirschenmann (2006) of the Aldo Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, president and founder of The Land Institute Wes Jackson (2003), community activist Malik Yakini (2013), food policy council expert Wayne Roberts (2002), Union of Concerned Scientists director Ricardo Salvador, and many more.

Everyone at the Center who crossed paths with Dodge was lucky to do so. The public health community has lost an enthusiastic supporter who loved the world and life, and who worked vigorously for the greater good.

“Ed’s curiosity, his moral compass, and his dedication to health for all was an inspiration to all of us…. What a treat and privilege to work with him for over twenty years helping make the world a better place through the CLF!" —Polly Walker, Senior Fellow and former associate director, The Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future

“Ed Dodge was another ‘preacher’s kid,’ and that contributed to the strong bond we developed over the years. His early gift and endorsement of the CLF meant so much to me as an affirmation of the vision shared with Helaine Lerner and Henry Spira. I remain deeply grateful to him for that early support and subsequent deep friendship.”  —Robert S. Lawrence, founding director, The Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future

“Ed Dodge was a true friend to the Center.  His life exemplified much of what we aim to support: health, ecology, community, learning, equity, and most prominently, a love and respect for all people. He was also an exceptionally kind and curious person who could always find a way to connect with others. He is greatly missed.” —Shawn McKenzie, director, The Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future

Photo by Mike Milli, 2019, (left to right) Tanya Berry, Ed Dodge, Wendell Berry.