Alumni Remember Irma Dodson
As a member of Cedarville (College) University's class of 1969, I am extremely thankful that I had the opportunity to have Miss Irma Dodson as one of my professors. From the first time I met her, I was impressed with her love of teaching. She had retired from education after 35 years as an elementary school teacher. While many might have settled into complete retirement at that point, she embarked on a second career molding the lives of college students who as teachers would impact the lives of children for the next several generations.
Miss Dodson brought a wealth of practical knowledge based on her successful classroom experiences. That helped to make her classes very interesting. However, she not only wanted to convey subject matter. She truly cared about her students as individuals. She demonstrated her love for them and stood ready to help in any way.
I remember Miss Dodson opened up her home to her students when she had us all over for breakfast at the end of the quarter. For college students living in a dorm, it was a special treat and one that was not forgotten. She welcomed us into her home with open arms.
Down through the years as I taught school, I made it a point to return to Cedarville and visit with Miss Dodson. Oftentimes, I would visit with my family. They grew to love her too, and we enjoyed many special times together. She was not only interested in me, but she wanted to know all about my fellow classmates. She wanted to know what they were doing.
As the years went by and Miss Dodson retired to Indiana, we would continue our visits with her. We saw her in her own home, her assisted living facility, and eventually a nursing home. I was truly amazed that almost right up to the end she had a very clear mind. She was in her 90's, and she remembered students who had graduated 35 or more years before. She would inquire about them by name! She always shared her memories of Cedarville and mentioned how grateful she was to teach in such a special place.
She truly loved her students. Because she never married, Miss Dodson never had children of her own. However, in many ways, she was a mother to many. She was truly an example of a godly woman. I am very grateful to Cedarville for the opportunity I had to have such a wonderful role model in my life.
I often times think of Miss Dodson and miss her. However, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I will see her again. I look forward to sitting down with her as she asks me if I have any news about her former students!
Robert Pereira '69
There may not be one particular memory of Miss Dodson for me, but it is her gentle manner, her quiet patience, and overwhelming energy for teaching and listening ear that recalls her to my mind. But her lasting tribute is those she taught have never forgotten her, and her memory continues to encourage and inspire generations to prove her excellence in how we serve those we teach.
Jeanne Risko Spencer '69
Miss Irma Dodson was my supervisor for student teaching as well as my children's literature professor. What a wonderful example she was! One of my favorite memories of her was when she invited our class to her home for a Christmas party. Everything was homemade and yummy! She greeted us at the door with a smile and kept smiling all evening. When I left her house that night, I had learned a valuable lesson. The students I teach must know that I love them before I try and mold them. She truly did love me and then taught me how to be a teacher. My heart will forever be grateful to this fine woman who impacted me in many, many ways. She loved the Lord, she loved her job and she loved her students. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if she is reading favorite stories to little ones in heaven.
Becky (Shamblin) Walker '69
I had Miss Dodson for "kiddie lit." I especially remember a Christmas party she gave for her class at her home. It was another extra for her students. I also remember a time when she took me to some area elementary schools to enact a Casey at the Bat skit I had done for her class. She put a lot of special effort into her teaching. She was a great lady.
Ken Jones '70
Miss Dodson inspired in me a love of children's literature that is still thriving today! My bookshelves are full of hundreds of children's books.
In my spring semester when I student taught, Miss Dodson was my supervisor. Right from the beginning, she told us to call her if we were sick and not able to go to the classroom. Many times she had shown up in classrooms to observe and the Cedarville student was not there and had not informed her. That was a big no-no. I could totally see why she had that rule in place. However…unfortunately, I did not follow it! One morning I woke up sick and was not able to go to school. I did not let Miss Dodson know. Guess who showed up in that second grade classroom that day? You know, don't you? It was the one and only Miss Dodson. I got a call that night, and she graciously forgave me. Whew!
Even after we graduated, she encouraged us and was always available to talk with us at homecoming, etc. I loved that lady so much, and she inspired me to do my best.
Gay (Williams) Contino '73
Irma Dodson was a treasure and delight—I am sure she still is, even in heaven! I not only had her for class, but she was also my guidance counselor. When I went to her and asked how I might complete college in three years instead of four, she was so encouraging and worked with me to accomplish this task. I loved her outlook on life! She continued to hope that her prince charming was right around the corner! It was a pleasure to have her as a teacher and guide at Cedarville!
Sharon (Johns) Mudder '74
Miss Dodson had a God-given sense to know when a student had the right qualities to be an educator. I recall the fear she put in those she mentored, but her tough exterior was only used to make us what we became—Christian teachers who would not shame her Savior, the college, or ourselves. She loved the job God had given her and took it very seriously. Miss Dodson would NOT let someone continue in the education degree program unless she knew those students had a true love, ability, and aptitude to teach.
I owe a debt of gratitude to Miss Dodson.
Upon graduation from Cedarville College, I taught 5 years in a Christian school, took 5 years off to start my family, returned to teach again 3 additional years before taking on homeschooling my own children and entering New York State service. Although my civil service titles have not been in the field of education, the training and experience has and continues to carry over into my current job duties as supervisor. The confidence to teach along with the discipline to set goals and objectives that I use even today were, at least in part, instilled in me by Miss Dodson.
Bonnie (Dedrick) Roe '75
Any Education student attending Cedarville during the Miss Dodson years were truly blessed. She was an encourager as well as a mentor. Just recently I came across some old college memorabilia while cleaning my house. In the box were my Zaner Bloser handwriting papers and Miss Dodson's required children's literature cards. I was amazed at how many of the books I read in my college class I still pull off the shelf to read to my students today.
I earned a masters degree in education, and my undergraduate classes at Cedarville were far superior. The children's literature class I took was so easy after what Miss Dodson required her students to accomplish. Miss Dodson prepared us well for what we were going to experience in the working world. Many other majors thought we were just doing busy work and playing but teaching is a very busy profession. With the aid of computers it is easier now, but all that hard work and research has paid off for me for 33 years in the elementary classroom.
Miss Dodson encouraged all her students to excel in whatever work they did. She did not back down on her expectations in her class or in her students. She modeled what a caring, Christian teacher should be. I am so glad she saw the potential in me and encouraged me to stay in college and pursue a degree in education. She was a great advisor for me during my years at Cedarville. She will be greatly missed on this earth.
Mary (Pruden) Harrison '76
I remember calling and talking to her on the phone about going back to school, and she asked me, "Do you have young children at home?" She encouraged me to remember my main ministry was my children, and there would be a time for school later. What wise advice! God first and family next. This past year I went back to school because the timing was right for our family.
Sharon (Hopkins) Bowman '77
Miss Dodson was very kind and encouraging to me, and we actually corresponded on and off until a year or so before her death. Her children's literature course was my favorite education class and inspired me to become a librarian. I pursued a graduate degree in library science and have been in the field ever since.
Lynn Johnson '77
I first met Miss Dodson while attending Cedarville. She often spoke of a "teachable moment." She didn't limit those to her classroom. I remember spending time in her home for a home-cooked meal and a game of dominoes. Having her for a couple of classes and lots of observations, she became a big part of my Cedarville experience. Several years later she moved to Brownsburg, Indiana. The Lord allowed me the privilege of sitting under more of her "teachable moments." She once again had me in her home; sometimes with other alumni, sometimes with my own children, and sometimes just by myself. Her faithful walk with the Lord was consistently evidenced in her life as she invested in the lives of others. While we attended different churches, many of my students worshipped with her. As they learned of our friendship, they would often bring me an update on "Miss Irma"—clearly, she was a lady loved by all. My times with Miss Dodson are many. To recall the most memorable moment is impossible to do. But, I thank God for the gift of her friendship and mentorship.
Judy (Erickson) Waddell '78
