Mimi Ciancio
Mimi Ciancio P鈥�87 鈥�91 G鈥�16, a retired member of the English Department faculty and Opportunity Program staff who dedicated her career to ensuring that all Skidmore students could write effectively and flourish academically, died on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. She was 90.
Beginning in the 1970s, Mimi held several teaching and staff positions at Skidmore 鈥� in the Office of Admissions, English Department, and Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP, now the Opportunity Program).
鈥淚n the English Department, she taught some of the most basic (and therefore most difficult) writing courses, and in the Opportunity Program (OP), she was an advocate for our students, challenging them to reach the goals she knew they were capable of,鈥� said Susan Kress, a former English professor, vice president for academic affairs, and acting president of the College.
Throughout the 1980s, Mimi frequently taught English 103, an introductory writing course, and worked to ready students for the rigors of college academics. In 1986, she joined HEOP as coordinator of its summer program and became a full-time staff member. Although she officially retired as HEOP鈥檚 assistant director and academic counselor in 1993, she quickly returned to the classroom and held part-time and temporary positions at Skidmore that supported the growth of OP and its students through 2006.
鈥淢imi brought generosity, compassion, curiosity, and a playful sense of humor to all her endeavors at Skidmore,鈥� Susan Kress said. 鈥淎 treasured friend and loyal colleague, she had the gift of bringing people together and building connections among them.鈥�
Born on April 7, 1934, in Pittsburgh, Mimi received her B.A. in journalism from Duquesne University and earned a master鈥檚 degree in English from Penn State University. At Penn State, she met Ralph, her husband of 59 years, whom she married in 1959. Before moving to Saratoga Springs in 1965, the couple lived in Pittsburgh, where Mimi taught English at Penn State's McKeesport campus.
Professor of English Emeritus Terence Diggory recalled Mimi鈥檚 commitment to students and friendship with colleagues at Skidmore.
鈥淢imi was a dedicated teacher 鈥� patient, understanding, yet demanding that high standards be upheld,鈥� he said. 鈥淪he was also a devoted colleague who formed strong bonds within the English Department and beyond. Her culinary skills as well as her warmth and wit lit up the parties that she and Ralph held at their home.鈥�
Ralph, for whom Skidmore鈥檚 distinguished teaching award is named, passed away in 2019.
Mimi is survived by her three sons, Lee, Claude 鈥�87 (Lori), and Paul 鈥�91, and four grandchildren, Rachel 鈥�16, Michael, Ella, and Anthony.
A celebration of life was scheduled for 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at the Surrey-Williamson Inn.