I am so deeply saddened today to learn of Dr. Silvia's passing at far too young an age. She was one of the most difficult teachers of my life however; she was a teacher in every sense of the word. She was truly inspiring. I loved to watch her teach. She always seemed to be bounding all over the place. Her amazing positive energy and enthusiasm, even at 8 am, was truly contagious.
Though I really struggled in her Complex Variables course, the most difficult course of my life, she always was there to help me as I often sat outside of her office waiting for her. I remember how disappointed she would be when she thought I did not make enough effort at something (though the workload of her class made me feel like her class was really my only class). In years since I have often thought of those wonderful days when it seemed like I could feel my brain stretching through my skull, while her class and those of a few others, were taking me to another level of being a student.
She continually encouraged me and genuinely cared that I succeeded at UC Davis and in my life. I also remember a great big hug at the graduation reception.
Thank you Dr. Silvia, you will be missed and remembered.
Riad Steven El-Bdour