Remembering Dunne For Decades

When Denise Phillips ’70 remembers her late husband, Rodney Phillips’ 66, she describes him as a kind and exceptional man who understood that love requires patience, forgiveness, trust, and loyalty. Rodney, who passed away in early 2021 from Alzheimer’s Disease, attended Bishop Dunne alongside his older brother, Robert ’65, and his younger sisters, Jane ’68, and Joyce ’69. He and Denise met in 1976, having been joined together by the spirit of Christ.

“We stay connected to Bishop Dunne not only because of the education we received, but maybe more importantly because of the lifelong friendships we made.” Denise recalls, when Rodney was first diagnosed, classmates from the classes of 1966 and 1970 came forward and remained supportive throughout Rodney’s journey.

Denise taught English at Bishop Dunne in 1994 and 1995. From 1995 until her retirement in 2017, Denise directed the Office of Campus Ministry at the University of Dallas. Rodney, meanwhile, founded the Texas Pecan Company in the early 1970s, now managed by their youngest son, Ryan Phillips.

Denise firmly believes that Catholic education needs to remain a viable option for all families. “It cannot become - and I know it already has on some level - an education only attainable for the wealthy.” Denise states that a Catholic education has the ability to teach students in the most practical ways to live a Christian life beyond philosophical or academic notions.

“My love of the Catholic faith and its traditions and the ministries in which I was involved both at the University and Diocesan levels, came from two Sisters of St. Mary of Namur - Sr. Patricia Ridgley and Sr. Miriam Nesmith. These women had a serene passion for Jesus Christ and His Church. Their peaceful demeanors and prayers exemplified the adage that faith is caught, not taught.”

In Rodney’s memory, Denise made a gift of $10,000 to provide tuition assistance for future Falcons through the Dunne Together initiative. Rodney, who loved basketball, credited the sport for helping him remain active and focused through his battle with Alzheimer’s. Denise proclaims, “The outside shot Rodney was known for stayed with him during his disease, even when he could only shoot left-handed!” Rodney was voted Most Valuable Player in basketball his graduating year, and fondly remembered the experience as his best high school memory. Rodney learned the discipline it took to become not only a skilled player, but a team member - he believed that team sports was an invaluable addition to academic excellence, both of which he obtained at Bishop Dunne.

Denise Phillips ’70 honors her late husband, Rodney Phillips ‘66