Dr. Deemathie De Silva, known to many former students as Dr. D, passed away Sept. 29. A celebration of life is scheduled 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at the Cozine Life Events Center (11500 E. 21st St. N. Wichita, KS).
Dr. De Silvea is credited with helping thousands of underdog students get their degrees. She was the longtime director of a WSU program that provides free tutoring and resources to students from low-income families, students with disabilities and potential first-generation college grads.
She also helped secure millions in federal dollars for students due to her ties to the business community. In addition to this, her work with the World Trade Council of Wichita, an organization co-founded by her late husband, Dr. Dharma de Silva, has impacted international business in south-central Kansas.
In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to the Wichita State University Foundation for the benefit of the Dr. Deema de Silva Memorial Fund, which will be directed toward student support funds by the family.
Contributions may be made via the Wichita State University Foundation (1845 Fairmount, Wichita, KS 67260-0002). Online gifts may be made at the website below. foundation.wichita.edu/memorials-honors/.