Marian M. Demos ’83
Marian died Oct. 21, 2018.
Born April 14, 1964, Marian was one of the younger members of our class. From Hamburg, N.Y., She was one of 12 classics majors in the class. She lived at Princeton Inn College and was a member of Madison Society. Classmates remember her as “reserved, yet thoroughly engaged” and “observant with an understated sense of humor.”
Marian earned a Ph.D. in classics at Harvard. In 1991 she joined the faculty at Florida International University, where she taught courses in Latin, Greek, and classical civilization and directed the program in ancient Mediterranean civilization.
FIU’s memorial to her after 17 years of service noted, “Both her students and colleagues loved her. A former student remarked: ‘She is the kindest person I have ever met. Truly, if anyone in this world has a heart of gold, it’s her.’” The impact of her gentle spirit clearly lingers beyond her passing.
Paw in print
October 2025
Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott ’92; President Eisgruber ’83 defends higher ed; Julia Ioffe ’05 explains Russia.
1 Response
Comments
J. Kenneth Lipner p’90
3 Years AgoLasting Contributions at Florida International University
One of the best, brightest, and most introspective colleagues I ever had the pleasure of knowing. Her subtle, clever, and understated wit was unmatched. While having an elite academic preparation, Marian Demos was totally dedicated to all, but especially to the struggle of her working class humanities students, and never forgetting her humble upbringing in Buffalo, New York. She established, supported, and was largely responsible for the success of Phi Beta Kappa at Florida International University in Miami. She was so unique she cannot be replicated. She is missed.