Dear CCA Community,

It is with enormous sadness that I inform you that beloved CCA photography alumna and faculty emerita, Sue Ciriclio, passed away unexpectedly over the weekend.

Sue was a passionate and dedicated educator and a cherished part of the CCA community for over 40 years. She joined CCA as a transfer student from Phoenix, Arizona and was in the inaugural cohort of photography majors at CCA graduating in 1971 with distinction. Her undergraduate core studio work made an indelible impression on Sue and shaped her studio practice in profound ways for the rest of her life.

Shortly after graduating, Sue earned her MFA from Mills College and re-joined CCA as a faculty member to instruct CCA’s first ever color photography course, going on to teach courses ranging from basic black and white to media history, professional practice, and a variety of graduate courses challenging students to give their very best and that no detail was too small. A thoughtful, thorough and extraordinarily generous instructor, Sue was deeply invested in her student’s artwork, helping them to realize projects according to their own creative visions. As an advisor, Sue invested great energy in helping students map their course electives to ensure their educational experience was enriching and supportive to their practice. In addition, Sue was a dedicated mentor, guiding generations of students along the path to becoming great teachers.

Sue was also deeply committed to giving back to the CCA community. She served as the Photography chair for 13 years, interim then full Vice President of Academic Affairs, president of the Faculty Senate, all while inspiring and influencing hundreds of students who passed through the photography program. During her time at CCA, Sue was instrumental in building the Photography program from a handful of majors to a nationally recognized program, which has produced many influential artists, curators, writers and teachers.  

Outside of CCA, Sue is nationally renowned for her work and received an NEA Fellowship and has been listed in Who’s Who in American Art, Education and Women. Her work has appeared in the collections of SFMOMA, Oakland Museum of California and Mills College.

It is difficult to imagine CCA without Sue, but it is important we come together to share remembrances and honor all that she contributed.  We are planning a gathering to celebrate Sue’s life and her influence as an artist and educator in the fall. We will keep you apprised of the details as plans evolve.  

On behalf of the college, I extend my deepest condolences to Sue’s colleagues, and her friends.

Sincerely,

Steve Beal