A multiple sclerosis diagnosis helped Edward M. Dowd ’72 discover a love and devotion to art and philanthropy. He found a way to combine the two passions, which have the power to inspire and heal others.

In 2014, he made a significant donation to SCU, establishing the Edward M. Dowd Art and Art History Building which is graced by a Dale Chihuly sculpture. He also established the Edward M. Dowd Advocacy Program with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. It was vital to him to help others who lacked the resources to fight MS.

His most recent philanthropic endeavor was a large donation to the Natividad Hospital Foundation in Salinas to name and refurbish the courtyard and Mental Health Unit building, to be completed later in 2022.

Ed began a fruitful career in investment real estate in 1976, establishing EMD Properties Inc., an investment real estate company, in 1981 Gov. Jerry Brown appointed him as vice chairman of the California State Athletic Commission, for which he represented California at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. He also served in the United States Air Force from 1965 to 1969 in Texas, Florida, the Philippines, and Korea.

Larger than life with an easy smile, Ed passed away peacefully on February 27, 2022, survived by many loved ones, including his brother Thomas M. Dowd ’70.