Dennis ArpA great friend and supporter of Chapman University and the internationally recognized film school that bears his name, Lawrence K. Dodge passed away Dec. 1. He was 77.
The Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, ranked as one of the top 10 film schools in the world, built its state-of-the-art facilities with the help of a $20 million contribution from Dodge and his wife, Kristina, in 2004. Their gift was the largest in the history of the University at that time.
“Larry Dodge provided the transforming gift that laid the foundation for the international reputation that Dodge College now enjoys,” said Dean Bob Bassett. “Larry’s interest and involvement in the activities of the film school were ongoing over the years, and he was particularly enthusiastic and supportive of our international programs and our feature film company.”
The Dodge family’s involvement with the film school began in 2000, when they funded the Next Generation Filmmakers project. Larry Dodge later became a member of the President’s Cabinet, a group of senior counselors to the University president.
The family’s philanthropy extended to other Orange County institutions as well, among them the Segerstrom Center for the Arts and St. Margaret’s Episcopal School.
“A good friend of several decades, Larry Dodge was a generous and gracious man who made our Chapman University community and the world a much better place through his remarkable generosity,” said Chapman Trustee Mark Chapin Johnson ’05. “Larry leaves a legacy of involvement and contribution that will be fondly remembered by many.”
A third-generation Californian, Dodge grew up on a citrus farm in Redlands. After high school, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served as an aviator with the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. He earned a business degree while in the service.
At 27, Dodge became the youngest CEO of a national insurance group. He later created American Sterling Corporation, becoming the founding chairman and CEO of a group of privately held companies involved in banking, insurance, real estate, motion picture production and technology.
Among the movies produced by American Sterling Productions, Ltd., is The Annihilation of Fish, a critically acclaimed work that received numerous international film festival awards.
“Many future generations will continue to enjoy the benefits of Mr. Dodge’s perpetual kindness,” U.S. Rep. Paul Cook said in a statement that was introduced into the congressional record. “Always the optimist, Mr. Dodge will be remembered for his interminable service to his country and his community.”
A celebration of Dodge’s life and memory was held Dec. 16 in the Paul and Daranne Folino Theater at Marion Knott Studios.
Dodge is survived by his son, Tod, from his first marriage and by his daughters Laurenz, Tatiana, Cozette and Alexandra, his children with Kristina.
Display image at top: Lawrence and Kristina Dodge
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