By Cynthia Shank
One of the many sources of pride for us as Sillimanians is the rich history of our beloved university, rooted in the generous spirit of an American philanthropist, Dr. Horace Brinsmade Silliman.
Dr. Silliman’s story is one of faith, sacrifice, and a commitment to uplifting others through education. Despite being a successful businessman who accumulated significant wealth during the Industrial Revolution, he chose to live modestly, pouring his fortune into educational institutions, churches, and philanthropic endeavors. This year, we commemorate the bicentennial celebration of Dr. Silliman’s life lived in the embodiment of the institution’s value of service above self.
Born In New York on December 3, 1825, Dr. Silliman was a retired Christian businessman who firmly believed in the transformative power of education. His immense generosity and vision led to the founding of Silliman University in Dumaguete City in 1901— a gift that continues to impact generations of students.
In contrast to his life full of wealth, he passed away in 1910 as a comparatively poor man, having given so much to others. For Sillimanians, it’s humbling to realize that our university is a testament to his selflessness and faith in the younger generation.
A common question among Sillimanians is why Dr. Silliman never visited the university he founded. The answer lies in the timeline of his philanthropy. Between 1901 and 1907, Dr. Silliman made multiple donations to support the institution, including the initial $10,000 that established the school. By 1907, he was already 82 years old and too frail to travel. He passed away three years later, never setting foot in the Philippines.
Adding to the mystery is the absence of his direct descendants. Dr. Silliman was the only surviving child of Levi and Clarissa Silliman, as his siblings died in infancy. He married twice; first to Ellen Van Voast, with whom he had a daughter, Clara Ellen, and later to Mary Benson, a cousin of his first wife.
Tragedy struck both times, as his wives and daughters all died young. Clara passed away at 17, and Mary Laura, his second daughter, died at 15. With no surviving heirs, Dr. Silliman often referred to the institutions he helped build, including Silliman University, as his “children.”
Institutional memory, however, has not always been kind to Dr. Silliman’s legacy. Mr. Moses Joshua “Kuya Mo” Atega, historian, professor, and member of the Silliman University Cultural Affairs Committee, reflected on how the university has, at times, failed to preserve its connection with its founder.
“In the 1940s, [then-]President Arthur Carson met a distant relative of Dr. Silliman during a speaking tour in Florida,” Atega shared. “She described Dr. Silliman as an exceedingly kind and benevolent man, but after that encounter, no effort was made to maintain correspondence or deepen that connection. It was a missed opportunity to honor his legacy more intimately.”
This disconnection highlights the need to revisit and celebrate the man behind the name, not just through archives, but through stories that resonate with Sillimanians today.
Dr. Silliman’s generosity extended beyond the Philippines. He supported various institutions, including Hamilton College in Massachusetts, where he funded scholarships, and Silliman Lodge in New Jersey, a home for differently-abled girls. His philanthropic spirit was deeply influenced by his mother, Clarissa, who was known for her kindness and active involvement in their local church.
Clarissa’s community impact, particularly during Christmas celebrations at the First Presbyterian Church of Cohoes, left a lasting impression on her son. Her simple act of giving oranges to children, a rare and cherished treat at the time, symbolized the joy of selfless giving. This legacy of kindness lived on in Dr. Silliman, whose contributions to education, the church, and the less fortunate were boundless.
Dr. Silliman’s strong Christian faith was central to his life and work. According to The Cohoes Republican, a New York publication, “This venerable philanthropist and public-spirited citizen dedicated his entire life to charity and benevolence. Always happiest when planning to devote a portion of his means to those in distress, he was a man whose every thought and deed were productive of good.”
In the context of Silliman University, his vision was revolutionary. Establishing a school in the Philippines at a time when the country was grappling with the challenges of colonial transition was a bold move.
Dr. Silliman recognized that education was key to empowering individuals and fostering a society built on faith, dignity, and self-worth.
When asked about the enduring relevance of Dr. Silliman’s vision, Atega emphasized, “He wasn’t just building schools; he was building character. His faith in Christian education reflects a belief that leadership is rooted in values and service. That’s something we, as Sillimanians, must uphold today.”
Dr. Silliman’s principles remain timeless. He believed in patriotism, selflessness, and service to others. A quote attributed to him reminds us to “cultivate a spirit of patriotism” and “make sacrifices for it.” These words resonate deeply, especially in today’s fast-paced world, where individualism often overshadows community.
His life also teaches us the value of resilience and purpose. Despite personal tragedies, he found meaning in serving others. His faith allowed him to transform pain into action, creating opportunities for countless individuals to thrive.
For Atega, honoring Dr. Silliman’s legacy means more than looking back; it’s about taking action today. “Let’s not just remember him during Founders Day,” he urged. “Let’s live out his principles.” He stressed that Silliman University should remain a beacon of service, faith, and excellence— not just for its students but for the wider community.
Dr. Horace Silliman’s story is a powerful reminder that the greatest legacies are built on generosity, faith, and a heart for service. As Sillimanians, we are not just beneficiaries of his vision; we are stewards of it. His sacrifices laid the foundation for a university that continues to change lives, and it is our duty to ensure that his values endure for generations to come.
Let us celebrate his life not just with words but with actions that reflect his unwavering commitment to knowledge, compassion, and community. After all, as Atega eloquently put it, “Dr. Silliman didn’t just give us a university— he gave us a mission.”