John Silber

John Silber‘s 25-year presidency of Boston University transformed a middling institution into a power player. A Texas transplant to the Athens of America, Silber was short-tempered, outspoken, and not very nice. He was, in spite of it all, right about most of the things he said and did that enraged so many of his legion of detractors.

In my world, John Silber holds a special place of high honor. Any university president courageous and truthful enough to call out Howard Zinn should be remembered with respect and appreciation.

Rest in peace, President Silber.