By Dave Begel Contributing Writer Published Nov 16, 2012 at 10:44 AM

Phylis Ravel, who guided countless students to careers in theater as the head of the Theatre Arts program at Marquette University, has died after a long bout with cancer.

Ravel was an actress and playwright, but she was best known as an educator who believed that all arts could help move this country toward social justice. She was drawn to works that explored social issues and advocated for changes.

Students who worked under her direction were held to rigorous standards and real-world experiences that prepared them for careers.

Hollywood to Broadway and many places in between have become home for many of the graduates of her program. She has sent actors to some of the best theaters this country has.

With a ready smile and her shock of gray hair, she was a striking figure in the arts program at Marquette. She was a member of both Actor's Equity and the Screen Actors Guild and used her professional connections to help students get jobs or be admitted to prestigious graduate programs throughout the country.

With her husband David, who programs the Alverno Presents series at Alverno College, she founded and ran the Brooklyn Playworks theater company from 1984 to 1990.

Ravel died Nov. 6. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Jan. 19 at Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 1100 N. Astor St.

Memorials to the Phylis Ravel Theater and Social Justice Fund at Marquette University are suggested. They may be sent to University Advancement, Marquette University, 1250 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53233.

Dave Begel Contributing Writer

With a history in Milwaukee stretching back decades, Dave tries to bring a unique perspective to his writing, whether it's sports, politics, theater or any other issue.

He's seen Milwaukee grow, suffer pangs of growth, strive for success and has been involved in many efforts to both shape and re-shape the city. He's a happy man, now that he's quit playing golf, and enjoys music, his children and grandchildren and the myriad of sports in this state. He loves great food and hates bullies and people who think they are smarter than everyone else.

This whole Internet thing continues to baffle him, but he's willing to play the game as long as OnMilwaukee.com keeps lending him a helping hand. He is constantly amazed that just a few dedicated people can provide so much news and information to a hungry public.

Despite some opinions to the contrary, Dave likes most stuff. But he is a skeptic who constantly wonders about the world around him. So many questions, so few answers.