Oldest grad of National Louis Univ. dies

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CHICAGO, Dec. 27 (UPI) -- Leila Dodge, who was the oldest living graduate of National Louis University in Chicago, has died, her family said. She was 103.

Dodge died of natural causes Dec. 18 in Mather Place in Wilmette, Ill., her daughter, Sue Suster said.

Dodge was one of the last surviving people to work directly with Hull House co-founder Jane Addams, the Chicago Tribune reported. Hull House was a facility in Chicago devoted to providing social and recreational activities for the working classes, particularly European immigrants.

Dodge's work with the organization was mentioned in its 150th anniversary celebration in 2010, though the Jane Addams Hull House Association closed this year.

In an interview published in 2011 on the National Louis University's website, Dodge said she earned her college degree in 1932 at a time when "not many of the girls back home were going off to college."

She had a strong interest in the education of women, travel and a daily exercise regimen, Suster said.

Dodge is also survived by a second daughter, Nancy Beckwith, four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, the Tribune reported.