Howard University Mourns the Passing of James E. Silcott
From Board of Trustees' Chair Leslie D. Hale:
It is with heavy hearts that we share news of the recent passing of James E. Silcott, Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA), (B.Arch. ‘57), a most distinguished architecture alumnus and esteemed member of the Howard University Board of Trustees from 2003 to 2009. In 2002, Silcott’s distinguished achievements and contributions were recognized through the Howard University Alumni Achievement Award for Architecture and Public Service.
More than 500 Howard University students have directly benefited from Mr. Silcott’s generous support of Howard University’s architecture program, to which he contributed over $3 million since 1991. He remembered his financial challenges as a student, and established the James E. Silcott Fund, which made scholarships available for subsequent generations. He also established the James E. Silcott Endowed Chair Fund in 2002 — the only endowed academic chair position of its kind at a historically Black college or university. According to the American Institute of Architects California website, Mr. Silcott’s “dedication to diversifying the practice” made him the largest individual donor to African American architecture students in the United States.
Mr. Silcott also served as a mentor to numerous Howard University architecture students, providing invaluable guidance in navigating a challenging profession and facilitating their work on reputable design projects. He exposed students to some of the most accomplished professional African American architects, including Sir David Adjaye; the late Philip Freelon, FAIA; Jack Travis, FAIA; and Roberta Washington, FAIA. In memory of his late brother, Mr. Silcott sponsored the creation of a gallery exhibit space in the Howard H. Mackey Building. To this day, the T. George Silcott Architecture and Design Gallery remains a vibrant venue for Howard University and the local architecture community to gather for academic and social events.
During his substantial and highly impactful career, Mr. Silcott built a reputation as one of the foremost African American architects in the Los Angeles area as well as a leader in public service. He was the first African American project architect for both Los Angeles County and UCLA. He also served as commissioner of the Los Angeles California Area Planning Commission and a board member of the Kennard Design Group, one of the largest African American architectural firms on the West Coast. In 2020, he was elevated to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects, a distinction only earned by 3% of its members.
Mr. Silcott was adamant about supporting Howard. “I think the least one can do is remember one’s alma mater,” he once said. “Alma mater is Latin for ‘nourishing mother’ and if your mother nourished you and you have become successful, you should ‘give back’ so she can nourish others.”
Services will take place at Howard University Dunbarton Chapel, West Campus, 2900 Van Ness Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008 on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 11 a.m., with early viewing at 10 a.m. Internment will take place in Los Angeles on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Inglewood Park Cemetery.
Please join the entire Howard University community in sharing our love, everlasting respect, admiration, and deepest condolences with his family, friends, and all who are mourning the loss of a great mentor and leader.