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ALA Associate Executive Director Gerald Hodges DiesGerald Hodges, associate executive director for communications and marketing for the American Library Association, died January 10 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago at the age of 61. Hodges was diagnosed with lung cancer last fall, underwent surgery, and returned to work, but suffered a relapse. On January 5 his family advised that he had returned to the hospital and would retire from ALA due to his serious medical condition.“A charismatic leader, Gerald Hodges was enormously popular with ALA members,” said ALA Executive Director Keith Michael Fiels. “His enthusiasm for the Association and for libraries was legendary, and he will be greatly missed by many.” In 2002, the ALA Council passed a special resolution honoring Hodges for his “wit, wisdom, and aplomb in all circumstances, challenging and otherwise.” Formulated by state chapter councilors, the tribute recognized the way “he excelled at his duties with an extremely high level of success, while at the same time bringing a sense of joy and happiness” to the Association members with whom he worked. Hodges joined the ALA staff in 1989 as director of Membership Services and the Chapter Relations Office. He earned an MA in Latin American history and a PhD in curriculum and instruction from the University of Florida, an MLS from Rutgers University, and an AB from the University of North Carolina. He was well known for his love of travel and all things Spanish, a language in which he was fluent. His first professional job was as head librarian and Spanish teacher at Florida Central Academy in Sorrento from 1968 to 1970. Honoring his wishes, family and friends planned cremation with no formal funeral services. A longtime member and supporter of ALA, Hodges had stipulated that a portion of his estate be used to establish the Gerald Hodges Fund, in support of intellectual freedom issues and legal challenges to legislation such as the Children’s Internet Protection Act and the USA Patriot Act. Hodges is survived by his father James Hodges of Gainesville, Florida, his sisters Katherine Adams of New Orleans and Laura Hodges of Jacksonville, and his life partner of 24 years Charles Harmon. ALA friends and colleagues plan to hold a celebratory gathering at the Association’s headquarters on January 12. Hodges had also asked that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Gerald Hodges Fund. Make checks payable to the American Library Association, 50 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611, and send to the attention of Judith Krug, director, Office for Intellectual Freedom. Posted January 10, 2006. |
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