In Memory of Former Trustee Steve Dodge
Steve Dodge, one of the Montserrat College of Art’s dearest friends, passed away on January 17, 2019 following a traffic collision.
Those of you close to the Montserrat community know that Steve was one of the college’s greatest benefactors. Steve’s passion for the students, their education and their stories resulted in his generous personal philanthropy to the college, but also his encouraging his friends, family and business colleagues to support Montserrat as well. He was deeply involved in the support of, fundraising for and building of the college’s Student Village which was completed in 2009. The opening of the Student Village helped to increase enrollment at the college and ensure Montserrat’s success.
Those who had the good fortune to know Steve knew he had a deep fondness for the college’s programs, faculty and most especially, the students. When on campus, Steve always wanted a few moments to check in with students and learn their stories, struggles, and successes. He was a true champion for them and served as an ambassador for the school in his many travels.
Steve served on two presidential search committees here at Montserrat — both for former President Steve Immerman and current President Kurt Steinberg, and he alsoserved on the development committee on the capital campaign for Montserrat’s 2007-2010 fundraising drive. He served on the Montserrat Board of Trustees from 2008-2012 and was granted an honorary doctorate by the college in 2009.
Locally, among his many charitable endeavors, Steve helped with the efforts to reopen and refurbish the historic Cabot Theatre where he also served on its board of directors as a member and as its Chair. His company, Windover Development and then Beverly Crossing has had a major impact on the rejuvenation of downtown Beverly.
His obituary appeared in Sunday’s Boston Globe and may be read here.
The college will recognize Steve both at the upcoming Presidential Inauguration on March 29 and at the May 17 Commencement ceremony. We will also be discussing a way to honor Steve’s deep legacy to Montserrat in a more permanent way.
Funeral services for Steve will be held Saturday, Feb. 2 at 2 pm at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Beverly Farms.