Ifé Landsmark ’75

Ifé Landsmark ’75, M.D., clinical psychologist, passed away on April 8. Ifé was born in Harlem and grew up in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. At 16 Ifé enrolled at York College, where she studied psychology with mentor Dr. Swadesh Grant. After excelling at York, Ifé transferred to Dartmouth with a full scholarship. When she learned there had never been a female senior fellow at Dartmouth, Ifé applied and was accepted. “If you say no women, I’m going to be the first,” Ifé said, regarding the prestigious fellowship. The fellowship was an opportunity to tailor her academic pursuits, which included studying abroad in Europe and Africa. At Dartmouth Ifé helped start The Black Praxis, a publication of the Afro-American Society. After graduating from Dartmouth Ifé went on to earn her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Columbia University. Ifé’s almost 50-year career in clinical psychology allowed her to follow her varied passions: advocating for youth, teaching, and helping others overcome trauma. Early on Ifé ran a residential treatment center for young women. Ifé enjoyed teaching at various colleges, including The College of New Rochelle and Columbia University. As a certified expert witness Ifé advocated for youth who were unfairly accused and prosecuted. Ifé was predeceased by her mother, Rose O’Garro Landsmark Dickerson, and elder brother Anthony “Yayha.” She is survived by daughter Keisha and her husband, three grandchildren, and siblings David and Lucy.