It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Dr. Vincent F. Phillips, MD a dear friend and long-time supporter of LACS. Dr. Phillips worked for many years in the fields of internal medicine and oncology. He also had a long interest and relationship with the peoples of Guatemala, especially with the Mayan communities who endured decades of violence. In the 198o and 1990s, he became involved in human rights work done by the pioneering forensic anthropologist Dr. Clyde Snow and the Forensic Anthropology Foundation of Guatemala (FAFG).
Dr. Phillips’ generosity supported the creation of the Dr. Clyde Snow Fund for Latin American and Caribbean Studies in Fall 2016 to honor the work and legacy of a groundbreaking forensic anthropologist who combined academic training with the tireless pursuit of justice. Dr. Snow helped track down Josef Mengele in Brazil and worked to bring peace and justice to the families of the disappeared in Argentina, Guatemala, El Salvador, and around the world.
Thanks to the support of Dr. Phillips, UW undergraduate and graduate students have carried out important research in a wide number of fields including landscape architecture, geography, history and international studies, all with clear connection to the causes of human rights and social justice in the America. A recent example of the legacy of Dr. Vincent F. Phillips, MD can be found here (find the full list of projects here.)
Dr. Phillips was a frequent visitor to campus and generously shared research materials, photographs, and stories from his many visits to Guatemala. His generosity and commitment to students has left a lasting imprint on our intellectual community. He will be missed.
¡Doctor Phillips Presente!