"Snapshots of my Father, John Silber" by Rachel Silber Devlin
The name "John Silber" is known throughout Massachusetts. Not only was Silber remembered for being the president of Boston University and for an unsuccessful run for Governor of Massachusetts in 1990, but he is also known for being a brusque, blunt, maybe even cantankerous person who didn't mind giving his opinion on issues or even people.
Silber had seven children, six of them daughters. One of those daughters, Rachel Silber Devlin, offers another side of her father. In her book, "Snapshots of my Father, John Silber", Devlin shows a side her family and subordinates at Boston University (You didn't call it "B.U." around John Silber.) saw every day; A personable, affable, tender, loving man who enjoyed art and music, and who conversed with people outside the office in the same way he ran his meetings in the office, with probing questions and thoughtful insight that was meant to get at the heart of matters, understand the situations, and resolve problems only after everything was understood and properly examined.
"Why do you want to ask me that? Why don't you ask me if I'm gay? And then I'd tell you it's none of your damned business!" - John Silber on his son's sexuality in "Snapshots of my Father"
"Snapshots" offers a brief history of the Silbers, going back to John's grandparents and the life they lived in San Antonio Texas. Devlin tells of the camping trips her grandparents took using mattresses that were rolled up and packed up until reaching the next destination at the end of the day. The work ethic of these hardy people was handed down to John, the youngest of two boys. John Silber was raised with southern manners and a hard work ethic that came in handy when he arrived at Boston University in the early 1970's. Devlin reflects on the dire situation of the school when Silber moved his family north to the Bay State and how fortunes reversed for the Terriers under his leadership.
Things weren't always easy on Commonwealth Ave. There was pushback from faculty and protests by students. Through it all, Silber used his critical thinking and expertise in philosophy to deal with whatever came his way. It was a job he took very seriously. Silber read and listened to the works of distinguished guests who were visiting the school so he could understand the people who spoke at the events. His critical thinking also came in handy when the Chelsea school system went into receivership and the Terrier student teachers stepped in to help.
John Silber may not have been known for being a softie, but he was known for his intellectual curiosity and his penchant for rolling up his sleeves and getting to work. When he wasn't at the office, he was helping his children with their personal problems, dancing in the kitchen with his wife, Kathryn, or working the grill at a family function. He was a man who know who he was and knew right from wrong. When Silber did something, he stood by his decision and principles, even as a 10-year-old who was admonished for giving his seat to a black woman on a bus in Texas. In Boston or San Antonio, John Silber may not have made all the right decisions and choices, but once that decision was made, it was made with probing and examination. He did what was best for his family and for Boston University. Devlin gives you plenty of examples and anecdotes in this book that certainly makes it worth reading.
Comments
Post a Comment