Eliza Gomez ’12 honors Michael Coyle

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This Torch Medal is given to Michael Coyle, Professor of English, by Eliza Gomez ’12.

Torch Medals honor a Colgate faculty or staff member who made a meaningful impact on an alum during their time at Colgate. Alumni in the reunion classes of 2007 and 2012 are invited to give a Torch Medal, delivered virtually, to a present or past member of the faculty or staff. See more Torch Medals here.


“Professor Coyle taught me the single most important thing I learned as an English major: “Stop writing about what is written. Write about how it’s written.” During my time in London, Professor Coyle introduced me to museum theory, an introduction that opened a door to a world I have fallen in love with. I am pleased to say that as of this week, thanks to Professor Coyle, I will be pursuing my dreams through a Master’s degree in Art Business at the Sotheby’s Institute in the fall. Colgate professors care that you want to learn, and they care about what you want to learn. Professor Coyle taught me that academic study should be driven by passion and true commitment to the subject matter.”

— Eliza Gomez ’12