SU commemorates Dr. Horace B. Silliman’s 197th birth anniversary

Silliman University (SU) commemorated the 197th birth anniversary of Dr. Horace Brinsmade Silliman, SU’s founder, with a floral offering and prayer, December 2, 2022 at his bust located at the Silliman Hall grounds.

SU Alumni and External Affairs Director Ruben N. Bokingo shared during the floral offering: “Silliman University came to reality starting from one gift, from one man, in 1898. That man was Dr. Horace Brinsmade Silliman of Cohoes, New York. We remember and celebrate his 197th birth anniversary today. He started the culture of giving and gratitude which is well part of the Silliman Spirit, with his gift of US 10,000 dollars. Today, the University continues to grow and develop the same culture of giving and gratitude, and all of us here present have contributed and continue to be stewards of his gift.”

In the prayer for Dr. Horace B. Silliman offered by University Senior Pastor Jonathan R. Pia during the floral offering, he said: “We gather today with fellow alumni to remember Dr. Horace B. Silliman and his generosity that helped establish this university. May his generosity be reflected also in our lives as we share ourselves with others.”

Dr. Horace Brinsmade Silliman was born on December 3, 1825, and died on May 4, 1910 at the age of 84, leaving an astounding legacy of selfless contributions to Cohoes, New York, as well as capital funding and scholarships for Hamilton College, Union College, and Mount Hermon Academy, building the Silliman Lodge in New Jersey (a home for girls, affiliated with the Christadora settlement house in New York City), and establishing Silliman University in Dumaguete City, Philippines.

SU commemorates both his birth and death anniversary as part of its yearly tradition.