I had the honor of having Professor Phillips as my facilitator during an Interprofessional Education Course at WesternU this past February. I literally only saw her for a total of maybe 3 hours, but in that short time, I could tell she had a passion for life and was interested in getting to know EVERYBODY in the room. She went above and beyond what most facilitators did during IPE, instead of the usual 'what's your name and what college are you from,' she asked specific questions about each student in the room showing a genuine interest in what we were each studying. Even though she knew she would probably never see us again other than in passing at WesternU, she still took the time to try and get to know us and that completely impressed me because I had never known an instructor to do that.

However, that's not the only reason I'll always remember her. On the 2nd day of IPE instruction, I had come down with a fever which I later found out was the flu. However, not wanting to miss IPE, I went anyway. I informed Professor Phillips of my fever and the nasty headache that hadn't gone away all day just so she knew why I wouldn't be speaking as much during the 2 hour class. She immediately showed concern in her face and told me to go home and get some rest. I told her it was ok and I'd try to stick it out, but she insisted that everything would be ok and if I wasn't feeling well, I needed to be resting. I ended up going home, but 2 weeks later I was told I had to make up the absence by writing a research paper. Of course, I was a little shocked because I didn't expect it at all. So I e-mailed Professor Phillips asking her if she remembered me and explaining my situation to see if she could do anything to help me explain what had happened. She replied immediately with an e-mail to me and the coordinator supporting my explanation. It blew me away how she had only met me for about 3 hours 2 weeks prior and she still remembered me and was more than willing to help me out. I could never forget her for doing that and I always wanted to say thank you to her in person. So when I saw her name in an e-mail from the President of WesternU, I knew exactly who he was talking about.

She spoke so highly of her family, of Italy, and Italian food in that short time I was with her for class. I could tell she was an adored professor at WesternU and I'm sad to learn that WesternU has lost, what I believe to be, one of the most passionate and vibrant professors at the University. If I can see her love for life and family in the short amount of time I interacted with her, or if she was able to affect me the way she did without me even really knowing her, then I can only imagine how much more she has affected everyone that's known her longer. 

 Thank you Professor Phillips for your kind gesture. Even though it can be considered a small gesture to some, it meant a lot to me to know that someone cared and was more than willing to do what she could in my situation.

My condolences to her family and friends, she will truly be missed. Gone, but never forgotten.

Truth be told, I'm not much of a photographer (pssst, keep it a secret).  But my life partner said she needed a photographer on short notice to snap photos of new inductees to the Veterinary honorary, Phi Zeta, in the spring of 2007. 

Dr. Tom Phillips was one of the officers of Phi Zeta and he seemed to take particular pleasure in presenting a certificate to fellow faculty member and his fiance, Pia Testa.  As you can see, they had the best smiles of the day. 

Since I didn't screw up the pictures too much (Phi Zeta never asked me back...) I managed to get another gig for Tom & Pia.  This time, I was the best man at their wedding!  Truth be told, I'm a pretty good best man and they had an amazing wedding.  One of the most joy full days of my life.

And they didn't ask me to be the photographer...