Cerri A. Banks, Ph.D.
1967 - 2022
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daryl Smith lit a candle
Tuesday, September 27, 2022
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Cerri and I worked together for many years. What a special human being. I am at a loss at this news and send heartfelt condolences to her family.
Daryl Smith
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Monique De Jesus uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, August 13, 2022
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Monique De Jesus lit a candle
Saturday, August 13, 2022
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Cerri you will forever be missed. You were a tremendous inspiration in my life and I thank you for being there for me through my journey. I miss you my friend and I know we will meet again.
Love you,
Monique DeJesus
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Paul Carter lit a candle
Saturday, August 13, 2022
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Robin Higgins posted a condolence
Saturday, August 13, 2022
What a beautiful memorial for Cerri. I was the program administrator when Cerri was a graduate student in CFE. I have so many memories of Cerri, Jennifer, and Sari Biklen. It was a great community for everyone. I have watched Cerri's career grow and grow. She has a smile that warms everyone's heart. When I smile in the coming weeks, I will think of Cerri and how much she touched everyone's life.
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Diane Swords posted a condolence
Saturday, August 13, 2022
I knew Cerri mainly from a distance, having only met her in person once. That was enough to have a strong impression of her sensitivity and wisdom. I had looked forward to getting to know her better at Syracuse University. I am so sad not to have that opportunity. I got to know her a bit through our emails about her last book project. I am so honored to be a contributor to that book, “No Justice No Peace”. As a community organizer, an activist academic, I have always been interested in student activism. Cerri’s recognition of the importance of student action, brought two parts of my life more deeply togethe. I now consider it a part of my own activism to share her legacy.
Diane Swords, Syracuse
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Jennifer Esposito lit a candle
Saturday, August 13, 2022
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Cerri and I met in graduate school. We were research assistants for our advisor, Sari Biklen’s, Vocabularies of Gender project at Syracuse. Together we learned how to navigate academic expectations and the life of a PhD student. We would talk for hours helping each other through some tough challenges. Our initial meeting was almost 25 years ago. Our friendship spanned the gamut during this quarter of a century- airport stakeouts to celebrating births of children, dog adoptions, home purchases, and promotions/new jobs. There were so many laughs and also some tears. Cerri was a giver. She gave of her time, wisdom, knowledge, and her heart. If I’m being honest, Cerri gave more to me than I ever could give to her. I remember so vividly that we could be shopping in TJ Maxx and Cerri would just say something so impactful and brilliant that I would take with me and need weeks to reflect on her words. She was a humane leader and even more humane friend. She only saw the good in people. And she was always able to see the other side of a situation. This is a devastating loss to her family, friends, and academia. Cerri, I love you, will miss you, and hope that you are resting in power and peace.
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Marta Brunner lit a candle
Saturday, August 13, 2022
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I was so sad when Cerri left Skidmore. I learned so much from her and looked up to her as a role model for how to be a strong, compassionate leader. I still cannot imagine a world without her in it. My heart aches for her family and friends, as well as her Syracuse colleagues and students. There was so much more we all needed to learn from her.
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Amelia Clarke lit a candle
Thursday, August 11, 2022
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My thoughts and prayers to her dear family.
Gone too soon.!
Sad,
Amelia Clarke
Skidmore College
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Kathryn Hartinger (McGovern) posted a condolence
Thursday, August 11, 2022
I am still in shock, and the tears come as I type this, but I will miss you, dear friend. I looked back at our last texts to each other – I love that the last thing I said to you was “You’re awesome. Have I told you that lately?!?” So thankful I asked for that ride home from Jackie Orr’s class two decades ago – and that we chatted in your car for HOURS before I finally got out – and the rest was history. From setting off Aunt Rae’s security system trying to decorate for your graduation party, to badly making Thai fresh rolls at Rachael’s, to grabbing drinks in the Little Red Shed in Portland before my wedding, my life was, and is, better because of you. You taught me so much and I was always so proud that you were my friend. Thank you. Love to Aunt Rae and all the family.
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barbara black posted a condolence
Thursday, August 11, 2022
This news is devastating. Cerri was someone to admire. I will never forget her wisdom at faculty meetings, her calm and no-nonsense manner, a cherished "collaboration" on the dance floor one year at the community holiday party, and chance (always fun, heartening) encounters at Sushi Thai.
My deepest sympathy to Cerri's family and close friends. She is already missed.
Barbara Black
Skidmore College
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Cruz Family posted a condolence
Thursday, August 11, 2022
Our love and prayers go out to the entire Banks family. I’m so sorry for your loss. We long for the day that sorrow and loss will be in the past and to be reunited with our loved ones again in the New World. Tony and I love you all very much.
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April Bernard posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
Cerri's kindness to me in a dark hour is something I will never forget--and I wish we had been able to find the time to teach that class together. I send my condolences to her family and friends, who must be missing this generous, deep person so acutely.
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Jennifer Sanborn posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
I worked with Cerri at Mount Holyoke, and as a fellow alum of the School of Education at Syracuse, I celebrated when she was called back to serve our beloved alma mater. Her dedication to students was unparalleled, and I am deeply saddened by news of her death. May these memories and tributes bring comfort to her nearest family and friends.
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Lindy Kruze posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
I knew Cerri when she was a little girl. She had a quiet grace about her even then, a wisdom that you do not see in someone so young. I used to stare at her she was so beautiful and poised. It did not surprise me in the least to see how far she went in her life and what she chose as her profession. I was immensely proud of her and so happy to reconnect after not seeing her for so many years. My heart broke when my niece Naomi W let me know what happened. I'm so deeply sorry for her family, Her father Derrick and her siblings. I hope your broken hearts heal and you smile when you think of Cerri. I know I will. Lindy Welch Kruze
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Idalia Sepulveda lit a candle
Tuesday, August 9, 2022
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Had the pleasure of meeting/working with Cerri while at Skidmore and what a gem! I much admired her strength, courage and authenticity. Prayers for strength for all that loved her. Rest in peace my sister, gone too soon ☹…
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Adrian posted a symbolic gesture
Monday, August 8, 2022
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I work in downtown Saratoga Springs at Lifestyles. Cerri had the most wonderful beautiful energy and light about her. Warm and uplifting, we always had great laughs and conversation. I'm lighting a candle and sending light to her family. She will be missed.
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Allysa Doyle posted a condolence
Monday, August 8, 2022
Cerri will forever remain in my heart. She impacted my life greatly as I know she did for so many others. The best kind of soul and touching the lives of everyone she meets. Cerri will forever be missed. Give princess Isabella the biggest hug and kiss.
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Ada Guerrero posted a condolence
Monday, August 8, 2022
I remember her kindness, her beautiful smile and her love of family. My very deepest and sincerest condolences to all who loved Cerri!
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Todd Faber posted a condolence
Sunday, August 7, 2022
It is not very often that we encounter someone whose positive impact is felt personally, professionally and beyond. Cerri’s compassion and caring nature allowed her to focus squarely on the welfare of the students under her charge. She, like all other educators, was thrust into a situation the last few years that was unprecedented, but she handled herself with grace, while ensuring she was a constant light for the students at Skidmore. She found a way to balance the needs all of her constituents from parents to students and staff in a way that made us realize she truly did care about her work. Her loss isn’t just being felt by her family, friends and those at the schools where she worked, it is being felt by future students, families and faculty who will not have a great fortune of working with her and having her support. I was very fortunate to know Cerri and I’m so very sad for all the others who knew her as well. Rest In Peace my friend.
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Joanna Masingila posted a condolence
Sunday, August 7, 2022
Cerri was a joy to work with and gave of herself in genuine, honest and meaningful ways. She will be greatly missed. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her.
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Neil Gold posted a condolence
Sunday, August 7, 2022
Such a tremendous loss! What a wonderful person. Condolences to the family. Cerri will be missed.
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Jennifer Snyder lit a candle
Sunday, August 7, 2022
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Meredith Davis posted a condolence
Sunday, August 7, 2022
Cerri was one of the kindest and realest people I’ve had the opportunity to call friend. She believed that all people deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. She was the embodiment of her educational professional and personal experiences as a Black woman making her mark in this world. Thank you for being such a light. Love and miss you SisterGirlFriend.
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Linda Toohey posted a condolence
Sunday, August 7, 2022
Thinking of Cerri and her smile, her laugh, her brilliance, her selflessness and her commitment to fairness to all people, brings tears to my eyes as we mourn her all-too-soon passing. I had the privilege of witnessing Cerri in action as VP of Student Affairs while on the Board at Skidmore; and I had the privilege of nominating her and serving with her on the Board of Directors of Wellspring, our domestic violence & rape crisis organization in Saratoga County. She was a trusted, generous and wise counsel, a collaborator and willing to do whatever it would take to make the lives of those she touched better for knowing her. I certainly am better for knowing Cerri. I will miss my friend, as I know she will be deeply missed by her family, friends, colleagues and students. May she rest in peace.
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Molly uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, August 7, 2022
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During our time together at Skidmore, Cerri thought of me as a friend - not realizing she was my mentor. She was everything I aspire to be. Despite her seniority, she always went out of her way to greet me, connect with me, and treat me as an equal. She made me feel important. She was open about her struggles - struggles that every human has and others that we shared in common. Luckily, I told her often what she meant to me, but I still wish I could tell her now.
Despite her busy schedule, she took off work one Monday afternoon to attend my wedding - not only did she eagerly participate in my Hindu ceremony, but she ‘tore up the dance floor’ with me and my family. We attended ‘boot camp’ classes together at the local YMCA, we participated in ‘smoothie cleanses’ together, and she would regularly text me words of encouragement.
I’m still in disbelief that she won’t be there when I come back to New York to visit. I’m angry that she’s gone so suddenly. But she’s already inspired me to live differently - more beautifully, more gently, and more adventurously. I wonder if this week’s charges in the Breonna Taylor case had something to do with her powerful voice now being elevated in the heavens.
“... And now, the recordings and the videos are everywhere, and you can no longer ignore the truths we have told. You blame us. You use words like “thug,” “terrorist,” and “comply,” even when he is twelve years old and playing with a toy gun. Tamir Rice. Say his name.
Breonna Taylor was asleep in her own bed and they were wrongly at her house. And somehow her death is not murder. “Oh well,” you shrug. “Oh well.”
So, united across all of our identities, we kneel, we lay, we sing, we pray. And these peaceful protests, these free expressions, anger you. …” - Dr. Cerri Banks
Banks, Cerri. “On Pandemic and Protest.” The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery, 2021, tang.skidmore.edu/collection/explore/260-cerri-banks.
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Pushkala Prasad lit a candle
Saturday, August 6, 2022
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I so enjoyed Cerri's sharp insights into various diversity tensions at Skidmore College and her subtle humor. I was sorry to see her leave our institution. She has now left the world a diminished place.
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Ashley Taylor lit a candle
Saturday, August 6, 2022
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Susan Beckerman posted a condolence
Friday, August 5, 2022
It was my privilege to work alongside Dr. Cerri Banks when she was the Dean and VP for Student Affairs at Skidmore College and i chaired the Student Life and Admissions Committee of the Board. She was a force of nature in a demanding and unpredictable position. Her energy never flagged; her positive disposition never failed her, even when she faced the inevitable challenges of overseeing the well-being of a couple of thousand young people. Cerri brought joy and light to those she served, those with whom she collaborated, those who simply shared her company. Seeing the dates which now define the span of her life, reminds us how untimely this loss is. Cerri manifested wisdom beyond her years. It is sad to contemplate the ways in which she would surely have contributed had we all been granted more of her intelligence and integrity. May her beloved family and friends take comfort from the impact Cerri had on all who were lucky enough to cross her path in a life too short but so well-lived.
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Ann Dejnozka posted a condolence
Friday, August 5, 2022
Cerri was a blessing who touched the lives of many at Skidmore College. I had the honor of working with her and partnering with her in support of our Skidmore Parent Program five years ago. She was so skilled in her work and was held in high regard by so many colleagues and friends. One special memory I will cherish: a trip to NYC on Skidmore business, and an extended day in the city to see Denzel Washington in the Broadway play, Death of a Salesman. Cerri was so full of joy and was exceptional on behalf of Skidmore during our work together (and what fun we had witnessing Denzel at his best!). Our friendship continued after our time together at Skidmore. She was a talented woman who will be missed by many...she was and will be a bright light, always.
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Amy Cronin posted a condolence
Friday, August 5, 2022
I had the honor of working with Cerri when she was Dean of William Smith College, and again when she was Vice President and Dean at Skidmore College. Her deep commitment to ensuring that all students had the support to be successful was palpable. She was kind, inquisitive, and had a laugh that spread joy. Cerri will be missed by all of her colleagues around the New York Six Consortium, and we mourn her passing. Wishing peace and comfort to her family and all those she held dear.
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Diana and Robyn Sutton-Fernandez lit a candle
Thursday, August 4, 2022
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Cerri was a mentor, colleague and friend and will be dearly missed. Dance on friend.
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Ellen de Graffenreid posted a condolence
Thursday, August 4, 2022
I worked with Cerri for a short time in the grand scheme of things, but found her simultaneously wise and kind. I hope her family and friends know how much respect she earned from her colleagues and what a force for good she was for higher education. She was a tremendous example of how doing the right thing over and over can yield real change.
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Luis Inoa lit a candle
Thursday, August 4, 2022
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Rest in Power dear friend and mentor. Our time working together was brief and meaningful. You believed in me, you empowered me, you helped me finish my doctorate, and when I had a tough professional decision to make- you advised me always to prioritize my family. Love you. You will be missed. Your inspirational work with students will live on through folks like me and other lives you have touched so profoundly.
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Katie Flowers posted a condolence
Thursday, August 4, 2022
Cerri was a beloved friend and colleague and Geneva and HWS Colleges were positively impacted during her time here. I will deeply miss her hearty laugh, kind questions, and student and justice oriented approach to everything she did. My heart goes out to her loved ones most especially , the loss must be unbearable
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Barbara Applebaum lit a candle
Thursday, August 4, 2022
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When we lose someone who has had such a great effect on who we are, something about us is revealed. That is, something about the bonds that make our lives meaningful become conspicuous. Cerri has touched so many lives and created bonds with those who were blessed to know her. We mourn her loss but also celebrate her life and the bonds we have with her.
Barbara Applebaum
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Maggie Fronk lit a candle
Thursday, August 4, 2022
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While we met Cerri because she joined the board of directors of Wellspring, we valued Cerri for so much more than her board service. Cerri was a friend and an inspiration to all of us. She always was the voice standing up for the rights of those who needed a champion: students, survivors of abuse, families struggling because they lacked resources, and minorities.
She was a role model for social justice. We will miss her spirit, her passion, her caring heart, and the delightful melody of her laughter.
Our world has lost one beacon of light, but we know she is shining down from above, still working just as hard for all she believes in.
You are so missed Cerri.
The staff and Board of Wellspring
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Cyndee uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, August 4, 2022
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My bestfriend and the love of my life . Being here without you is unimaginable. You left this world a better place because you lived and spread soo much love . I will cherish memories made with you forever and mourn the ones we planned to make . Sleep in peace , job well done .
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Lynn Pasquerella posted a condolence
Thursday, August 4, 2022
Cerri was a beloved colleague and friend. She was a dedicated and authentic leader who shaped higher education in profound and lasting ways. The world is diminished without her.
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The family of Cerri A. Banks, Ph.D. uploaded a photo
Wednesday, August 3, 2022
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In Loving Memory
Cerri Banks, Ph.D.
1967 - 2022
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