Athena Linda (Skinker) Argyropoulos

It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of the servant of our Lord, Athena Linda Argyropoulos. Athena passed on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, after losing her incredibly brave and hard-fought battle with cancer. Athena wasn’t just a ray of light – she lit up the entire sky with her strength, positivity, energy and love. There wasn’t a person (nor a Dog!) that didn’t feel her loving presence.

Athena grew up in what at the time was the small town of Garrett Park, Maryland. She was an avid and accomplished sports lover, playing sports from a very young age, through high school and then at the collegiate level at American University, which was not only her Alma Mater (1978) but also the place she would call home for her entire working life, first as an academic advisor and then on to be the Associate Athletic Director.

She graduated from American in 1978 with a bachelor's degree in Administration of Justice. She also completed graduate coursework in the Health Fitness Management program at American. A student-athlete during her undergraduate years, Argyropoulos lettered in field hockey and basketball for the Eagles. She was an early proponent of the Federal Title IX effort prohibiting exclusion and discrimination on the basis of sex, participation in and benefits of education and sports.

Following graduation, she went on to join the University's Department of Government, School of Public Affairs as an Academic Counselor. She managed the Departments undergraduate advisement office. During her tenure she advised over 800 undergraduate students majoring in political science. She also served as the NCAA Compliance Liaison for the School of Public Affairs and was a member of numerous university committees, including the University Awards Committee.

In 2001 she joined the American Athletics administrative team and was responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the athletics department, while also serving as American's liaison with various NCAA and Patriot League committees. She had administrative oversight of all 16 varsity sports at American University. She excelled because of her God given gifts for truly caring and relating with people of all backgrounds and ages. The students she advised and the program coaches and athletes she oversaw all thrived because she cared so much about them. She received many awards both from her involvement with the NCAA and American University Including the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators (NACWAA) Administrator of the Year Award. Her Picture is displayed in American University Athletic Center on their distinguished Wall of Fame. She had no more fitting role than the role God guided her to at AU.

While she transitioned from playing to coaching and then to her role as a collegiate Athletic Director, she also excelled as a distinguished basketball official. She was a member of the officials’ staff in multiple of Division I conferences , officiating in several conference tournaments, many NCAA Tournaments, the 1996 U.S. Women's National Team trials for the Olympics, the Jones Cup Trials and numerous other National Team events. She was also a member of the AAU national staff and has officiated at several AAU tournaments. This was certainly another one of her passions.

Athena eventually caught the golf bug from her father, Nicolas (Nick) Argyropoulos. Athena’s husband, Oliver Skinker, also caught the bug from Nick. The bug grew to a full-fledged affliction (golfers know what this means) and over the years they spent a lot of time “mastering” the “affliction” to actually become pretty darn good golfers. As they traveled, they would stop on the way to and from their destinations, “conquering” many courses. Athena conquered her last earthly course shooting in the low 80’s despite being ill. She now moves on to the best kept most amazingly beautiful courses in Heaven. She will be missed BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN! May her memory be Eternal.

Beyond all the accolades, Athena was just the most amazing Daughter, Sister, Wife and Friend. Her presence was undeniable. Strong in her Faith, growing up in the Saint Sophia and Broader Greek Orthodox Community provided not just the foundation for this, but also for how she approached the undeniable struggles she faced with her cancer. May God Receive Her with Open Arms!

Athena was blessed to have been the daughter of her amazing parents, Nicholas and Margaret Argyropoulos (preceding her in death), married to her husband, soul mate and earthly angel Oliver Skinker, big Sister to her loving brother Paul Argyropoulos, sister in law to Paul’s beautiful wife Kathryn, Aunt to her nephew, son of Paul and Kathy, Alexander, and joined in family by his wife Karla, their sweet daughter Anna Grace, her niece, daughter of Paul and Kathy – Alyssa Argyropoulos, Olivers children Jeff Skinker and Priscilla Eckert, their spouses, children and the many siblings both living and deceased in the Skinker Family.

The Funeral will be held Friday July 31, 2026, at Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral 2815 36th St NW, Washington DC 20007

Visitation begins at 10:00am followed by the Funeral Service at 11:00am

Following the Funeral the Makaria (Blessedness) reception which will be held at the Cathedral’s Frosene Center which adjoins the Church.

A Private Family Only Burial Service will be held Saturday August 1, 2026, at 9:00am at Warrenton Cemetery 110 Leeds Court Warrenton, Virginia 20186

Donations:

In Lieu of Flowers, please consider donating to the Medical University of South Carolina Foundation, whose tireless efforts and amazing staff took such lengths to care for Athena. Oliver and I were truly amazed at their dedication, talent but mostly love during the entire process.

Tribute and Memorial Gifts : A tribute gift is a meaningful way to convey sympathy to the bereaved, memorialize a loved one, commemorate a special occasion or honor a person’s life and accomplishments. Your gift to the Medical University of South Carolina Foundation made in honor or memory of this special person ensures a legacy that extends far into the future.

Options:

• Make a gift online at fundraise.musc.edu/giving

• Call the MUSC Foundation at 843-792-2677

• Mail a check to the MUSC Foundation

MUSC Foundation

18 Bee Street, MSC 450

Charleston, SC 29425

Please mention the name of the person you are honoring with your gift, and if there is a specific fund being used to honor this person. If you would like MUSC to notify the honoree or a family member, please also indicate the name and address of the individual to be notified.