Remembering Dr. Philip Benesch

Dr. Philip Benesch P’21, P’21, P’24, Associate Professor of Political Science and Director of Pre-Law and External Scholarships & Fellowships, died on June 1. After joining LVC in 2005, he quickly became part of the fabric of the community, assuming additional roles including Chair of Social Sciences and Founder/Director of the University of London Dual Enrollment Law Program, the first such partnership for a fully accredited U.S. college. He guided 19 students in the past decade who were awarded Fulbright Scholarships, the College’s first Pickering Fellow and Goldwater Scholars, and several other prestigious international honors.

“Philip was a wonderful colleague and even better professor and person,” said Dr. John Hinshaw, LVC Professor of History. “He cared deeply about his students and believed that understanding the world was the best way to prepare people to live in it, and to change it.”

Another colleague, Dr. Can Yüce, Assistant Professor of History, wrote a memorial that captured Dr. Benesch’s spirit and legacy. It was published by one of Philip’s former students, Charles McElwee ’11, Editor, on the RealClearPennsylvania website.

Among the many memories shared by his colleagues and former students, Megan Bisco, Esq., ’22 noted, “Dr. Benesch always looked out for his students, encouraged us, respected us, and above all else, was incredibly kind. I will be forever grateful for his mentorship and support at LVC and when I was in law school.”

Dr. Benesch, a world-renowned scholar on Philosopher Karl Popper, advised numerous students and alumni who graduated from law schools like the University of Arkansas, University of Connecticut, Drexel University, Georgetown University, Penn State Dickinson, University of Pennsylvania, University of Virginia, William & Mary University, and others.

A lifelong learner, Dr. Benesch earned bachelor’s from the University of London and UCLA, master’s in Europe: History and Politics from the London School of Economics and master’s in Public Law from the University of London, Ph.D. in Political Science and Government from the University of Delaware, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (Human Rights Law) and Postgraduate Diploma in Laws (Legal Theory and History), both from the University of London.

His wife, Janet Milan, and daughters, Claire ’21, Emily ’21, and Sarah ’24 Benesch, survive Dr. Benesch.