PHILIP OWEN SPANN

I have only fond memories of this wild and brilliant man. He was a force of nature. I have a lovely little wire sculpture of a bicycle that he made for me as we sat chatting in his office at the University of Arkansas in the early 1980s. Rest in peace, dear friend.

RIP Magister.

Philip will remain always one of my most loved and admired friends and teachers. I studied under him at the University of Arkansas, and went with him on the inaugural U of A Study in Italy program in 1984. There are few teachers who could inspire students like he could, few individuals more delightful in conversation and adventure. Almost 30 years later, I think of him often and smile at those wonderful days in Tuscany.

I loved this man, for his energy, vision and sense of adventure. It was a pleasure to work with him for four years at the University of Arkansas. I learned from his love of his students, and I admired so much the way he always spoke to them with affection. His smile and the glint in his eye will be with me always.

For several semesters, I was a Latin student of Dr. Spann's when when he taught at Arkansas. I loved his classes and feel really enriched from his knowledge and zeal for teaching. Thank you Dr. Spann!

An outstanding human being. A demanding professor with a keen intellect and a hilarious and irreverent wit. A good friend and a great golfing buddy these last few years. He seemed happiest when talking about Jessica, Jade, and Jordan. The love and reverence was obvious. That his granddaughters were such bright and polite young ladies was a source of pride and maybe a little bemusement.
I'll miss the friendship, the laughter, and that left-handed slice that we gently called a "fade."