SU offers flowers as tribute to Dr. Horace B. Silliman's 115th death anniversary

Silliman University (SU) celebrated the 115th death anniversary of Dr. Horace B. Silliman with a ceremony and flower offering at the founder’s bust, on May 2, 2025.

Silliman died on May 4, 1910, nine years after the establishment of then Silliman Institute, which all began with a gift of $10,000 he gave to its founding.

Dr. Betty Cernol McCann, SU president, described the life and philanthropy of Silliman as a devout Christian who “turned his faith into action—organizing schools, improving community spaces, feeding the hungry, caring for soldiers, and lifting up the poor and grieving even amid personal loss with the deaths of his daughters at an early age.”

“Today, we pause to remember the life and legacy of Horace Brinsmade Silliman, who passed away 115 years ago at the age of 84,” McCann said as she welcomed the Silliman community present that morning.

“Though more than a century has passed, the lights of his compassion, leadership, and service continue to shine brightly. He lived a life marked by generosity and deep commitment to the common good,” she added.

Organized by the SU Office of the Alumni and External Affairs, headed by Ruben N. Bokingo, the event was attended by SU administrators, the Silliman Alumni Association I