John Cabot University Mourns Loss of Beloved Professor Emeritus Antonietta Scioti 

It is with deep sadness that John Cabot University announces the passing of beloved Professor Emeritus of Mathematics, Antonietta Scioti, who taught at JCU from 1980 to 2013. 

Born in Tirana, Albania in 1944, Professor Scioti moved to Italy when she was a year old with her Albanian mother and Italian father. After graduating from high school in Rome, Scioti earned a laurea degree in biology from Sapienza University of Rome. She later went on to earn another laurea in literature and while teaching at JCU, she completed a third degree in psychology.  

In an interview for the recently published book John Cabot University – The First 50 Years, Scioti recalled the fundamental changes that she witnessed during her time at JCU, including the move from a tiny villa on Via Massaua to the historic campus on Via della Lungara. “I used to teach in the garage of the villa. The blackboard was on the floor, and I had to kneel to write on it!”  

Scioti was part of the committee that created the first faculty bylaws at the University, and she proposed the introduction of a math placement test. 

Her students were always enthusiastic about her teaching, and she established solid and lifelong bonds with them. “The atmosphere at JCU was that of a family: the relationships we formed were special. I have always believed that each student has unique abilities,” she said, “and it takes a student-centered university such as JCU to allow faculty to bring them out,” Scioti said. 

“I had the opportunity to work with Antonietta in the same department,” said Dean of Academic Affairs and associate professor of mathematics Stefano Arnone. “I was able to appreciate her great humanity and professionalism, qualities that I still remember to this day.”

“Antonietta Scioti expected a lot from her students but gave very generously to them. To her colleagues, she was gracious and caring, a person with a wonderful smile and a great sense of humor. Antonietta will always be a legacy for JCU,” commented Vice President of Academic Affairs Mary Merva. 

“Today we mourn a great colleague and friend,” said JCU President Franco Pavoncello. “Antonietta Scioti taught math to scores of JCU students who loved and respected her. Most of all, Antonietta laid a solid foundation for mathematics at our liberal arts university that endures today. On behalf of all of us here at JCU, I offer our most heartfelt condolences to Antonietta’s family.”  

Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 26 at 11:00 am in the church of Santi Angeli Custodi, Piazza Sempione, Rome.