Diane Marie Phillips

In the times I spoke with Diane at work at CUNY, she was unfailingly kind, but also enthusiastic and fun to talk to. My deepest condolences to family and friends.

Diane was a bright light at Macaulay. She was kind and smart and cared about serving the students. We often talked about her experiences at Brooklyn College and nerdy data stuff. I am grateful to have known her. My heart goes out to her family and especially her grandchildren.

Diane has such amazing spirit and was genuinely a great person to be around. Her devotion to work and life is truly inspirational. I learned tremendously from her on a professional level. On my lucky days, she would give me some history lessons. As both of us have roots in Brooklyn, she often told me stories and showed me pictures of her childhood.
She was always super excited when she's off to visit her grandchildren. And she spoke highly of her partner.
She will be deeply missed.

Diane was one of the kindest, most genuine people I've had the pleasure of working with. As the resident "quant" person on staff, she dispelled negative stereotypes and always took an interest in students' stories, experiences and her colleagues. Whenever I would reach out to her beleaguered by some request for student and program data, she would help explain complex report analysis, and then ask me how I am doing, or ask about my family. She was incredibly professional, always personable. She loved her family and spoke adoringly of her grandchildren. She will be missed and I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family.

With sympathy,
Lena Tuck

Diane was such a kind, empathetic, and wonderful person to work with. I enjoyed my time sitting right across from her at Macaulay Honors College. I loved hearing her stories about how she grew up in Brooklyn; her college and graduate experiences at CUNY; her career and teaching experiences; and her daughter, grandkids, and partner. Diane was always so helpful and giving in the office. She also took the time out, even though I didn't report to her, to take me out to lunch (her treat!) on many occasions. I spoke to Diane for advice when I was in a newer role that was more data focused and she was kind enough to meet with me via Zoom during the mid part of the pandemic. Diane will be greatly missed and I am grateful to have worked with her.

Diane was one-of-a-kind-a true class act, adored by all of us who worked alongside her.

Her formidable quantitative chops were matched by an inspiring devotion to the student behind the numbers.

We both came in early and-some mornings when I was lucky-she would tell stories of her childhood while we sipped tea. And she stunned me with firsthand accounts of the great early-80´s bands she´d seen play at Brooklyn Zoo in Sheepshead Bay.

There was always an extra spring in her step when she was getting ready to visit her grandchildren.

Sending love and deepest sympathy to her family. She spoke of you every single day.

My deepest condolences to the family of Diane Phillips. She was a talented, kind-hearted and thoughtful soul. I worked with Diane at Macaulay and she was a wonderful colleague and friend. I always enjoyed the conversations with her about her daughter and grandchildren. She beamed with pride and love whenever she spoke of them. Diane was always willing to help and support me. I´m forever grateful that she was part of my life.

My deepest condolences to the family on a passing of such a wonderful person. Living without the one person who had loved you unconditionally all your life must be so difficult. I am sending my most sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved mother. She will be truly missed by the CUNY community.

My sincere condolences on Diane's Passing. I had the great pleasure of meeting and working with her at our monthly meetings. She was always a pleasure to listen to and learn from. She will be missed.

I am truly saddened to learn of Diane's passing. We were long-time colleagues at CUNY and I was hoping that after all the time and effort she put into supporting Macaulay Honors College, that she'd get to enjoy an long and happy retirement. My sincere condolences to Tonja and Diane's grandchildren, and the entire family. Wishing you comfort in happy memories.

This is such sad news for us at CUNY. She contributed so much across the entire university and was always a pleasure to work with and talk to. She will be deeply missed.

I met Diane when she first joined MHC and we clicked immediately. Diane was a wonderful colleague and an even better friend. She is one of the kindest and most genuine people I have ever met, and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute we spent together. Diane's biggest treasure was her family, and she always spoke of her daughter and her grandchildren, whom she loved so dearly. Diane will be missed by everyone whom she crossed paths with. I send love and strength to Diane's beloved family and pray that the many wonderful memories you have bring you strength and some comfort. May she rest in eternal peace.

With deepest sympathy,
Zineta Kolenovic

I'm deeply saddened by the loss of my past supervisor and colleague. Although our time together at work was relatively short, her impact on my life was profound. She was not just a supervisor but also a mentor who enriched my professional and personal growth. My thoughts are with her family and loved ones during this difficult time. - Sejung

Diane was a role model and inspiration for me in the field of higher education research and assessment. She was so intelligent and a great team player, always had insightful observations to share, and she was always positive. I believe she loved what she did but it is sad that she could not enjoy her retirement.

I am so sorry to hear of Diane's passing. She was a wonderful friend and colleague. My deepest sympathies to her family. Lori