Remembering Christopher Edley by Berkeley School of Education

Berkeley_Educ — 2024-05-11 20:14:52 UTC

Educate like democracy depends on it... because it does.

2024-05-11 21:07:05 UTC

Christopher will be missed. A champion of education and civil rights, he has left an indelible mark on the nation’s civil rights dialogue, the University of California, Berkeley, and most certainly on the hearts of many in the BSE. I appreciate Christopher, for reminding us of the essential role of education to democracy.

Sincerely, Michelle Young

2024-05-11 21:49:19 UTC

I remember we were once talking about music and Dean Edley mentioned he knew a member of Sister Sledge. "We Are Family" has new meaning for me. Rest in power, Dean Edley. -- Dara Tom

Chris was a catalyst...

2024-05-12 03:02:58 UTC

I had the privilege of serving as dean of the GSE when Chris arrived on campus in the mid 2000s as Dean of the Law School. Over the next 4 or 5 years, we collaborated with him, the Law School, and Warren Center, and other projects and initiatives.

Several metaphors are needed to describe his impact on the campus and our presence in educational policy. He was a breath of fresh air when it came to bold ideas and thinking out of the box; where others would say, "That's out of range," Chris would say, "Why not go for it." He was a bolt of lightning, supercharging all of the initiatives he touched with unbounded energy. He was Daniel in the Lion's Dead; he challenged campus leaders to do the right thing when it came to matters of diversity, equity, and inclusion. He was a friend of education, and he helped me and the GSE faculty in the process of recruiting a cadre of faculty who have become leaders on campus and in the national and international educational research community.

My days never lacked for interest, excitement, and accomplishment during these collaborations. I became a different person because I knew him and worked with him.

I wish his close friends and family wonderful memories and grand stories to balance the grief and loss they are suffering.

David Pearson,

Dean, GSE (now BSE) 2001-2010

2024-05-12 04:07:27 UTC

A magical person

I first met Chris years ago, when he was doing civil rights work for Bill Clinton. He was magical - charming, funny, and passionately devoted to issues of civil rights. And he still was, when the campus prevailed on him to lend his talents to the BSE. We are all in his debt.

Dean Chris Edley

2024-05-12 19:35:35 UTC

Dean Chris Edley was a thoughtful scholar with a great sense of humor. I appreciated his wisdom and kindness to me during his time as dean of the BSE. Condolences to his family on the loss of Chris, a man who worked to improve the lives of people not only within the university but across the country. With gratitude, Tolani Britton

For Grief, by John O’Donohue

2024-05-13 19:22:38 UTC

When you lose someone you love, 
Your life becomes strange, 
The ground beneath you gets fragile, 
Your thoughts make your eyes unsure; 
And some dead echo drags your voice down 
Where words have no confidence. 

Your heart has grown heavy with loss; 
And though this loss has wounded others too, 
No one knows what has been taken from you 
When the silence of absence deepens. 

Flickers of guilt kindle regret 
For all that was left unsaid or undone. 

There are days when you wake up happy; 
Again inside the fullness of life, 
Until the moment breaks 
And you are thrown back 
Onto the black tide of loss. 

Days when you have your heart back, 
You are able to function well 
Until in the middle of work or encounter, 
Suddenly with no warning, 
You are ambushed by grief. 

It becomes hard to trust yourself. 
All you can depend on now is that 
Sorrow will remain faithful to itself. 
More than you, it knows its way 
And will find the right time 
To pull and pull the rope of grief 
Until that coiled hill of tears 
Has reduced to its last drop. 

Gradually, you will learn acquaintance 
With the invisible form of your departed; 
And, when the work of grief is done, 
The wound of loss will heal 
And you will have learned 
To wean your eyes 
From that gap in the air 
And be able to enter the hearth 
In your soul where your loved one 
Has awaited your return 
All the time.

Rest in power, Dean Edley

2024-05-13 19:33:14 UTC

Chris began his term as interim dean on the same day the first cohort of LEAD EdD students began their studies. That very first day, he took the time to come meet the students and share leadership lessons from his many decades of public service.

That level of steadfast commitment remained throughout his time here, including through advocacy with the campus and in using his endowment to fund professional leadership students' education. His generosity and support during his time here continues to make it possible for students to invest in their education here while balancing their commitments to other communities - their families, the ECE-university settings in which they work, and many more. His legacy lives on.

May his memory be a blessing,

Lihi

Legacy

2024-05-13 21:31:32 UTC

Diverse: Issues in Higher Education did a story on Christopher's passing highlighting his work on the Civil Rights Project: https://www.diverseeducation.com/faculty-staff/article/15670640/chris-edley-prominent-legal-scholar-passes-away

Thank you, Dean Edley!

2024-05-15 00:30:53 UTC

Chris was the interim dean when I began working at the Berkeley School of Education. While I did not have many opportunities to connect with Chis during our short overlap, I really appreciated him.

Thank you Dean Edley for holding down the fort at BSE during some very difficult years. I know MANY appreciated you for so many things and really valued your words of wisdom. Your support will not be forgotten.

Rest easy,

Kelly

2024-05-21 00:56:18 UTC

My deepest condolences to Dean Edley's family and loved ones for your profound loss. The tremendous impact and legacy of his public service and civil rights advocacy are deeply felt and appreciated.

Sincerely,

Karin Seid