Phillip T. Markwood ’59

Phil died Dec. 20, 2025, survived by his wife of 60 years, Joan; a son and a daughter; four grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. 

As a freshman, Phil ran track, but his true talent shone forth starting in sophomore year when he used his artistic ability as a cartoonist for the Tiger magazine, of which he became associate art editor. And he left his trademark on the entire senior class, designing the laconic tiger appearing on the back of ’59’s senior year beer jackets and carried forth to this day as ’59’s ubiquitous Tipsy Tiger. A member of Tower Club, Phil roomed in his senior year with Brock Evans and Rick Sarlin.  

An architecture major, he went on to obtain a master’s degree in architecture at both Ohio State and Columbia, then began an illustrious career, founding his own firm — Phillip Markwood Architects — which he managed for 47 years. Among his professional honors were his election to a lifetime achievement award in the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects, and his receipt of the prestigious AIA Ohio Gold Medal. 

His firm specialized in a wide range of projects. Phil, a man of deep faith, was particularly proud of his work for religious organizations, saying he felt the work he was doing was bigger than the project, the people for whom he was working, and himself.