AUB remembers David Dodge, its 13th president
A memorial was held at AUB on July 6 in honor of David Dodge, AUB's 13th president, who passed away in January 2009 at the age of 86.
Attended by two of his daughters, Melissa and Nina, and members of the AUB community, the memorial, which took place at Assembly Hall, was an opportunity to honor the rich and adventurous life of one of the descendants of AUB founder Daniel Bliss.
AUB President Peter Dorman, who is a distant cousin of Dodge, welcomed those attending the memorial, "in celebration of a man who devoted so many years to Lebanon and the Middle East."
Dorman described Dodge as "a devoted friend and loyal servant of AUB," and an "impressive and forbiddingly tall figure, but a wonderfully welcoming man, with a broad smile, a hearty laugh, and a generosity of heart."
Nazih Zeidan, a former director of development at the University, paid tribute to Dodge's successful recruitment of some of the biggest donors to the University. Zeidan noted that it was Dodge's networking and winning personality that introduced generous benefactors such as the Olayan family, Charles Hostler, and Prince Alwaleed bin Talal to AUB, convincing them to donate to the University. Furthermore, Zeidan highlighted Dodge's wisdom and firmness which helped the University through turbulent times, sparing it occupation by militias and refugees.
"David never considered AUB as an employer but rather as a major part of his family's heritage," concluded Zeidan.
Former Acting President Samir Thabet lauded Dodge's mild temperament and modesty which he combined with strong principles and leadership qualities. "He proved to be a rock of stability and firmness," said Thabet, who also expressed his admiration for Dodge's decision to come back in 2007 to Lebanon—the place where he was taken hostage for one year in 1982—two years ago. "Under the gentle, kind appearance, there was great courage and firm resolve in David," said Thabet. "Will the disappearance of David Dodge be a turning point in the continuity he represented? Times have changed, AUB has changed; it is growing, developing, but it should never disown or repudiate the values David stood for."
Described as a "great man in troubled times," by George Sayegh, a former deputy vice-president for administration at AUB, Dodge "He was the source of our inspiration and admiration under extremely stressful conditions. His integrity, sincerity, and devotion to AUB… served as a role model for us to be followed…. He would go the extra mile to help others without any discrimination."
Former Dean of Health Sciences Huda Zurayk also shared her memories of Dodge, noting that he was a family friend and long-time colleague of her academic parents. "There are many lessons to learn from the life od David Dodge and much strength to be gained from his commitment to AUB," she said. "May we continue to strive for AUB and Lebanon with the same passion and humility that David Dodge exemplified."
As for former deputy president Samir Makdisi also praised Dodge's integrity and character which promoted openness and fairness. "Believing in principles and standing up for them… requires great strength of character," said Makdisi, who described the Dodge family as the best example of positive US influence in Lebanon.
Then, Dodge's two daughters, Melissa and Nina, shared their thoughts on their father.
"His return to Lebanon two years ago was one of his last wishes, and his being able to do so allowed him to die whole," said Nina Dodge, thanking the AUB community and Lebanese for the rich experience they gave her family. "You have enriched us in so many ways," she said.
Dodge came from a long line of AUB presidents and was the son of former president Bayard Dodge, the grandson of former president Howard Bliss, and great-grandson of Daniel Bliss, the founder and first president of the Syrian Protestant College, which later became AUB.
Born in Beirut, on November 17, 1922, Dodge studied at Deerfield Academy and received his BA in history from Princeton University in 1945 and his MA in Near Eastern studies (also from Princeton) in 1949. He was a military intelligence officer in World War II. From 1949-1976 he was employed by ARAMCO in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, and its subsidiary TAPLINE in Beirut in several management positions including government relations.
He was elected in 1961 to the Board of Trustees of AUB, served as administrative officer, as well as vice-president for administration, acting president (1981-1982), until he was taken hostage in Lebanon and held for one year. He again joined the Board of Trustees in 1983 and was also chairman of the Daniel Bliss Society.
He also held various other positions, namely president and chairman of the board of the Near East Foundation, served as president and member of the board of directors of the Cleveland H. Dodge Foundation and served in various capacities for his Alma Mater, Princeton,as a member of the Princeton Middle East Society, Recorder of Gifts for its Development Office, and in other capacities.
David Dodge was married to Doris Westfall Dodge until her death in August 2000. With Doris, Dodge had four children: Nina, Bayard, Melissa, and Simon. He is also survived by his second wife, Peggy.
