Susan Dodd, 74 of Gilroy, CA passed peacefully on February 1, 2024. Susan was born to Grace and Lloyd Dodd and grew up in Ripon, CA. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Physical Education from Chico State, CA in 1971 and her Master of Science Degree from the University of Bridgeport, CT in 1975. Susan was an avid tennis player, loved to maintain her yard, and enjoyed traveling.

Susan was employed at Gavilan Community College for 37 years in the Kinesiology Department from 1976-2013 leaving a permanent mark on the lives of countless individuals. As an instructor, coach, and Athletic Director she was a pioneer who helped to pave the path for women's sports at a pivotal moment in Title IX history. Susan was a true warrior for inspiring a legion of young women to pursue their dreams. She was a leader in women's community college leadership, serving as Athletic Director in 1979 (only one of two women overseeing an athletic department in the Community College system), and an additional two more times during her long career at Gavilan. In 2007 Susan received the State Community College Organization of Physical Educators (SCOPE) Educator of the Year award, and in 2019 she received Gavilan's President's Circle Legacy Award for her lifetime commitment and dedication to the students of Gavilan Joint Community College District. In March of this year Susan will be inducted into the 3C2A (California Community College Athletic Association) Hall of Fame. Her long association with Gavilan College and the Gilroy community included attending and volunteering at most home athletics events, even after her retirement, and, working at the Gilroy Garlic Festival for various organizations over the years. Her legacy may be visited on the Gavilan College campus in Gilroy at the Susan Dodd Tennis Complex, and the Susan Dodd pedestrian bridge crossing.

Susan is survived by her partner of 33 years, Barbara Hauer; her siblings Marsha Mahnke, Charles Dodd and Donna Dodd, brother-in-law Eric Hwang, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and many beloved friends and co-workers. She was preceded in death by her parents Lloyd and Grace Dodd, of Ripon, CA.

Celebration of Life, March 21, 2024 at 3pm, Gavilan College in the Gymnasium.

In lieu of flowers those wishing to honor Susan's memory may send donations to the Susan Dodd Scholarship at Gavilan College. Checks should be made out to Gavilan College Educational Foundation in honor of Susan Dodd and sent to 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd, Gilroy, CA 95020.