C.J. “Pete” Silas, a Georgia Tech chemical engineering graduate (ChE ’53) and longtime supporter of the School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, died on Dec. 16. He was 82.

Silas, a former chairman and CEO of Phillips Petroleum Co., is the namesake of ChBE’s C.J. “Pete” Silas Program in Ethics and Leadership. The annual lecture recognizes Silas’ outstanding professional achievements and commitment to doing business in an ethical, responsible manner.

“Pete was a wonderful friend to Georgia Tech and the School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering,” said Ronald Rousseau, former ChBE chair and holder of the Cecil J. “Pete” Silas Chair established with a donation from Silas. “He was a superb athlete and a gifted leader of one of the world’s great energy companies and countless other organizations. He was not shy with his opinions, especially regarding ethics.

“I feel fortunate to have known him as a friend and to hold the endowed chair named in his honor. I am sure the entire Georgia Tech family joins me in extending sympathies to his family, especially to his wife, Theo.”

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