WASHINGTON – American University Athletics mourns the passing of former Senior Associate Director of Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator Athena Argyropoulos, who passed away on Tuesday, July 21, following a courageous battle with cancer. She was 70.
A beloved member of the American University community for more than four decades, Argyropoulos retired in 2020 after a distinguished career dedicated to supporting students, student-athletes, coaches and colleagues.
A 1978 graduate of American University with a bachelor's degree in Administration of Justice, Argyropoulos lettered in both field hockey and basketball for the Eagles. Following graduation, she began her professional career at her alma mater as an academic counselor in the School of Public Affairs, where she advised more than 800 undergraduate students while serving as the NCAA compliance liaison for the school.
Argyropoulos joined the Athletics Department in 2001 and spent the next 19 years helping shape the department through her leadership and commitment to student-athlete success. Promoted to Senior Associate Director of Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator in 2015, she oversaw the department's daily operations while serving as American's liaison with numerous NCAA and Patriot League committees. She also provided administrative oversight for men's and women's basketball, field hockey, cross country, track & field, wrestling, sports medicine and student-athlete welfare.
In recognition of her outstanding career, Argyropoulos received the 2008 National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators (NACWAA) Division I National Administrator of the Year Award. In 2022, she was recognized as one of the Patriot League's Trailblazers of Distinction during the conference's celebration of 50 years of Title IX. She was also inducted into the American University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2023 in recognition of her lasting impact on the department.
Hall of Fame Induction & Speech
Beyond her administrative career, Argyropoulos was an accomplished NCAA Division I women's basketball official for 18 years, officiating numerous NCAA Tournament games. She also served on the U.S. National Staff, working national team trials, the women's opening game of the 1996 Olympic Games and the Junior Olympics.
Known for her warmth, compassion and unwavering support of those around her, Argyropoulos touched the lives of countless student-athletes, coaches, staff members and alumni throughout her career. Her dedication to American University Athletics and the people who make up its community leaves a legacy that will endure for generations.
Argyropoulos is survived by her husband, Oliver Skinker; her brother, Paul Argyropoulos (Kathryn); nephew Alexander Argyropoulos (Karla) and their daughter, Anna Grace; niece Alyssa Argyropoulos; Oliver's children, Jeff Skinker and Priscilla Eckert, along with their families. She was preceded in death by her parents, Nicholas and Margaret Argyropoulos.
Visitation will be held Friday, July 31, at Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral (2815 36th Street NW, Washington, D.C.), beginning at 10 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. A Makaria reception will follow at the cathedral's Frosene Center. A private family burial will be held Saturday, Aug. 1, in Warrenton, Virginia.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Medical University of South Carolina Foundation in Athena's memory.
