August 14, 2009
Former Memorial students reflect on impact of their teacher Brother Eugene Phillipp, 71
By MARY ANN HUGHES (Message staff writer)
Shortly after the death of Holy Cross Brother Eugene Phillipp on Aug. 4 his former students began sharing their memories on Facebook, a social networking site.
It was named “Brother Eugene Phillipp, C.S.C.: Forever Remembered,” and dedicated “in remembrance and celebration of the life of a legend. One who truly can not be described by words, but only by the memories of those who knew him.”
Brother Eugene, 71, spent the majority of his teaching career at Memorial High School, starting there in the fall of 1962. He became an institution at the eastside Evansville school where he was known as a stimulating and enthusiastic teacher and for his tireless and dedicated service, scrupulously monitoring the school’s facilities and campus.
Here is a sample of the comments left at the Facebook site.
- Allison M. Bordeaux: “I feel so privileged to have known him and to have been taught by him. To this day, he is the most influential teacher that I have ever had and I would not have the career that I have if it were not for him. He will be so missed! May he rest in peace always!”
- Angela Sierra: “Brother Eugene will live on in the memory of every student who was ever fortunate enough to take his class. He leaves a legacy of a life lived with a passion for faith and for learning and teaching. Rest in peace with Christ until we see you again, Brother.”
- J.P. Engelbrecht: “Brother always answered the question ‘Why did you become a Brother of Holy Cross?’ with exquisite quickness ‘To make the world a better place.’ All of us who have been fortunate enough to spend time with Brother know he overachieved his goal. We will miss him tremendously.”
- Jason Condi: “Thank you for everything, Brother. He was directly responsible for my love of history and was one of the best teachers I’ve ever had. RIP.”
- Nathan McGill: “Most people, when talking about someone who has just recently passed away, say all sorts of things that are exaggerated a bit. But there is no exaggeration in that Brother Eugene was one of the best and most memorable teachers I have ever encountered. God’s blessings, Brother Eugene.”
- Mitch Day: “At the showing tonight someone commented on all the rain we’ve had since Brother passed away. Apparently Heaven was not up to Brother’s standards and he’s been doing some cleaning ever since he got there. Thanks for showing me the way Brother!”
- Laura Libs: “I think Brother would have hated all of this fuss but I hope he had some inkling of how farreaching his influence was in our community.”
Brother Eugene was born in Cleveland, one of the six children of Ambrose and Josephine (Hopeck) Phillipp. He attended St. Edward High School in Lakewood, where, influenced by many Holy Cross Brothers on the faculty, he decided to join their order.
In 1955, he entered Sacred Heart Juniorate in Watertown, Wis., and then began his novitiate year in Rolling Prairie, Ind., making first vows as a Brother of Holy Cross in 1957. He studied at the University of Notre Dame, majoring in social studies and earned a bachelor’s degree in 1961 and later a master’s degree in history in 1967.
A few years ago he was asked, “How long will you continue to care for Memorial’s facilities and people?” His response was, “Probably forever.”