Remembering Michael Wagner

USD faculty honor the late professor and his contributions

HALEY JACOB / FEATURE EDITOR / THE USD VISTA

Dr. Michael Wagner was a beloved professor in the University of San Diego’s Department of Philosophy for 40 years, teaching at USD from 1980 to 2020. Friends and colleagues best remember Dr. Wagner for his spanning intelligence across numerous philosophical areas and his warm, welcoming demeanor. His contributions to philosophy extend far beyond his work at the University, leaving behind a remarkable legacy and collection of book reviews, presentations, articles, professional services and most notably — published books. Outside of academics, Dr. Wagner had a way with people that made him a joy to be around and unforgettable, even almost two years after his passing. 

Dr. Wagner lost his journey with cancer in the spring of 2020, and the COVID-19 pandemic put a temporary halt to hopes of an in-person memorial and celebration of his life. With restrictions now lifted, USD’s Department of Philosophy held a memorial service for the beloved professor and colleague on Nov. 7. Professors from various departments attended the service to reflect on Dr. Wagner’s accomplishments and the profound impact he had on his field of work.

The memorial featured two visiting guest speakers: Dr. Kevin Corrigan from Emory University and Dr. Lloyd Gerson from the University of Toronto. Both professors are internationally recognized scholars whose fields of interest overlapped with Dr. Wagner’s. All three men were a part of the International Society for Neoplatonic Studies (ISNS), stemming from their shared keen interest in the philosopher Plotinus. Dr. Lloyd is the editor of “The Cambridge Companion to Plotinus,” a volume of essays written by academic scholars and leading experts on Plotinus’ work, which featured pieces written by Dr. Wagner and Dr. Gleeson. Their shared involvement brought the three scholars together, and they worked closely for years. 

USD Philosophy Professor and Dr. Wagner’s close friend Dr. Jack Crumley knew he wanted to invite Dr. Corrigan and Dr. Gerson to speak at the memorial because of their previous work with Dr. Wagner. At the event, they attested to Dr. Wagner’s remarkable intelligence.

“They had just incredible things to say about him,” Dr. Crumley said. “[Dr. Gerson] was an editor of this volume, ‘Cambridge Companion to Plotinus.’ He said that when he was asked to do this, he would say to people, ‘I want to do this a particular way,’ and everybody would tell him, ‘get Mike Wagner.’ [Dr. Wagner] was recognized by his peers outside the department, outside USD, as being extraordinarily important and significant.”

Dr. Wagner’s interests ranged from moral theory, metaphysics, issues about love, the nature of physical reality and more. His specialties included Classical Greek and Hellenistic Philosophy, Plotinus, Platonism and Neoplatonism. The breadth of his knowledge was expansive, and he found joy in his research. 

“He was somebody who was involved in a number of different facets of higher education, and he was very dedicated to all of them,” Dr. Crumley said. “On a couple of different occasions, I went to ask Mike about something I knew he knew something about. He’d say, ‘Oh yeah, that’s interesting; that makes me think of this.’ Next thing I knew, seven or eight months later, he’s got a paper written about it.”

Dr. Wagner was extensively involved in the University. During his 40 years here, he held three administrative positions, was a part of 28 different campus committees and councils, and taught a range of courses covering different philosophical topics. 

He was described as a “people person” by those who knew him. He always went out of his way to make junior faculty feel welcome, enjoyed teaching and advising his students and was often humorous. 

Dr. Wagner served as Chair of the Department of Philosophy from 1989 to 1998. Dr. Crumley became chair after Dr. Wagner and commented on Dr. Wagner’s profound leadership as chair, and his graciousness and continuous guidance to Dr. Crumley once he took over.

“Even before I was chair, I remember I would be upset about something, and I was going to write a letter to the Dean,” Dr. Crumley said. “I would tell [Dr. Wagner], ‘I’m gonna send this email to the Dean.’ And he would say, ‘No, wait a second, before we do this, let’s think about this.’ You react sort of immediately to new policies or issues or things of that sort, and he helped me keep a sense of perspective before I was ever chair.”

Dr. Crumley found Dr. Wagner’s willingness to help others evident in moments of need as chair.

“Once I was chair, if ever I went to him because there was a real issue, he was really helpful,” Dr. Crumley said. “It’s always nice to have somebody that can sympathize with you. But more than that, it wasn’t just sympathizing; it wasn’t just empathizing; it was him actually helping me figure out solutions to issues. And the thing is, if you like each other, it’s so much better, and I thought Mike Wagner was a very likable and warm person. I would call him generous with his time and concern.”

USD Communication Studies Professor and Vice Provost Dr. Roger Pace attested to Dr. Wagner’s commitment to others. 

“He was willing to listen and talk to you about your experiences,” Dr. Pace said. “The amazing thing about Mike is he knew so much — whatever you were experiencing, he could relate something to it, and I always imagined that his classes were engaging because of that, that he would understand the students’ perspective and show them theories of philosophy where other people had talked about what they’re experiencing, and I had that on a personal level with Mike. He always was able to show me how what I was experiencing had been experienced by others and discussed in philosophical literature.”

Dr. Crumley shared a touching sentiment on Dr. Wagner’s life and character. 

“We all have ups and downs, but I think Michael enjoyed life. I do. And I’m glad,” Dr. Crumley said. “What can I say — he was a good man. Nowadays, that says a lot.” 

Dr. Wagner found purpose through his work and the meaningful connections he made with others, and his contributions to philosophy, both in the department and outside of the University, will continue to live on through the expansive, brilliant bodies of work he left behind. His unwavering devotion to USD during his time here has left an indelible mark on the campus community, and the absence of his warm, selfless character is deeply felt by those who knew and loved him.