John Silber
John Robert Silber (August 15, 1926 – September 27, 2012) was an American academician and former candidate for public office. From 1971 to 1996 he was President of Boston University and from 1996 to 2003 Chancellor of the University. From 2003 until his death he was President Emeritus. In 1990, Silber took a leave of absence from the University to run for political office. He won the Democratic primary to become that party's candidate for governor of Massachusetts in the Massachusetts gubernatorial election of 1990. He lost the general election to the moderate Republican William Weld, who won by 38,000 votes.
Silber was trained in and taught philosophy. He wrote two books. The first, Straight Shooting, is a social, political, and moral commentary on issues in that impact modern American life. The second, Architecture of the Absurd is a 128-page assessment of the work of contemporary iconic architects.
Read more about John Silber: Family, Education and Early Academic Career, Boston University, Tension With Faculty and Students, Silber's "deferred Compensation Package", Endowment Controversy, Gay Rights Controversy, Political Activities, Publications, Boston Street Named For Him, Death, Further Reading