In Memoriam

Ruth Silman ‘90

October 26, 1968 - June 30, 2021

It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our dear friend Ruth Silman ‘90. Ruth spent many days as a COE instructor during her time at Cornell University. After graduating from Boston University Law in 1994, she became the first female managing partner at the renowned law firm Nixon Peabody in Boston, MA, becoming a leading voice for environmental law focused on complex environmental, clean air, energy, and land use matters. Ruth had a passion for climbing big mountains and, in 2014, completed her goal of hiking to the summit of all 46 high peaks in the Adirondack Mountains before turning 46. She served as an active member of COE’s Advisory Board until her final days. Ruth cared deeply for COE. She knew firsthand the transformative nature of the COE experience and the impact it has on our student's lives at Cornell and beyond.  She brought to every board meeting her unique sense of sensibility, curiosity, and desire for genuine understanding.  She constantly provided a thoughtful perspective that elevated our conversations. We will remember her as joyful and kind, always willing to lend a hand. She is survived by her husband, Tim Clark, and children, Phoebe and Jay Clark, her mother, Roberta Karpel Silman (class of 1956), and siblings Miriam and Joshua. Ruth's father, Robert Silman, class of  1956, passed away in 2018. 

To honor Ruth and continue her commitment to support student experience and engagement with the outdoors, the Ruth H. Silman ‘90 Memorial Fund provides financial assistance so any student may participate in Outdoor Odyssey.  To make a donation by credit card, visit the online donation portal for the Ruth H. Silman Memorial Fund. Alternatively, you may send a check made payable to Cornell University to the address below. Please include a note indicating the gift should be allocated to the Ruth H. Silman '90 Memorial Fund (0021319).

Cornell University
Box 37334
Boone, IA 50037-0334

William "Bill" Kay '51

April 6 1027- April 12, 2020

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of L. William Kay II, founding member of COE's Advisory Board. Bill died on Sunday, April 12, 2020, in Chester County, PA. He was 93. Bill received his Bachelor's degree from Cornell University's School of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR) in 1951. He provided significant leadership to Cornell as a Presidential Councilor and life member of the University Council. He was a key leader for the Class of 1951, serving as Class President from 2006-2011. As an active member of COE's Advisory Board and lifelong supporter, Bill helped set the foundation for today's COE. Above all, he loved skiing. In 1994, Bill and his wife Brit participated in a rigorous advisory board trip to complete a 10-day ski traverse of the Alps, from Zermatt, Switzerland, to Chamonix, France. This famous traverse is known throughout Europe as " The Haute Route" (The High Route). The primary impetus for this trip came from Bill and his long-time friend Bill Phillips '52 (former COE Advisory Board Chair), who had completed the traverse years before and wanted to share this experience with his fellow COE board members. Bill was a true gem and an unconquerable soul. His generosity to all and love towards service will succeed him beyond our years. Bill was predeceased by his daughter Jennifer and is survived by his loving family, including Mrs. Brit L. Kay, his children, Bill, Tom, John, Jim, Rob, Martin, Caroline, and Henrik, their spouses, 25 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

William E. "Bill" Phillips '51

Jan. 7, 1930 - Dec. 26, 2018

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our first board chair and long time advisory board member, William E. "Bill" Phillips ('51). Bill was an avid outdoorsman and athlete as an octogenarian, enjoying downhill skiing and tennis on a regular basis. He graduated in 1951 from the School of Industrial and Labor Relations. Before retiring, Bill served as Chairman of Oglivy and Mather. The home of COE, the Phillips Outdoor Program Center, is named in Bill’s honor. In addition to long time service to Cornell and COE, Bill served as Chair of the Outward Bound International Board of Directors. He is survived by Barbara Smith, his loving wife of 21 years; two sons, Michael and Thomas Phillips, and daughter, Sarah Phillips; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and twin brothers, John and Frank Phillips.