Steve Silliman ’79

Steve died March 31, 2025, from pancreatic cancer.

Following in the footsteps of his brother, Bill Silliman ’75, Steve arrived at Old Nassau from Chicago. Steve studied civil engineering and found his métier in the field of hydrology. He went on to earn his master’s and doctorate degrees in water resources from the University of Arizona, where he met Julie, his wife of 40 years.

On campus, Steve played trumpet in the Princeton Jazz Ensemble and joined Charter Club. According to roommate Lew Gasorek, Steve was known to scale the interior walls of Princeton Inn, to the amazement of its denizens.

Through a Princeton connection, Steve became a professor of hydrology at Notre Dame, where his expertise in water resources led to international projects such as well drilling and water quality initiatives in Benin, West Africa. He published widely and received numerous teaching awards. After retiring from teaching, Steve served as dean of engineering at Gonzaga and Trevecca Nazarene Universities.

Steve enjoyed family trips to Glacier and other national parks, often hiking with a child in his backpack.

The class extends heartfelt condolences to Julie; sons Carl, Scott, and Timothy; brother Bill; and sister Nancy.