Passing of Professor Edward Soja

UCLA geographers are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Edward Soja, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Urban Planning and Adjunct Emeritus professor of Geography at UCLA.  Professor Soja was an internationally lauded postmodern political geographer and urban planner. Amongst many accolades, he most recently was awarded the Vautrin Lud Prize, one of the most prestigious recognitions in Geography.  As observed by his friend and long-time collaborator Professor Allen Scott, “his enormous personality and constantly fertile mind meant that he was always a huge presence both on the UCLA campus and in the world of academia at large.

His absence deprives us all of an extraordinary friend and colleague.”

We wish all the best to Professor Soja’s family, students, and friends in this difficult time. -Laurence C. Smith, Department Chair