The torch medal From the symbolic torchlight ceremony to our embrace of the number 13 to the two beloved (and sometimes adventurous) swans, Adam and Eve, life at Colgate is enriched by distinctive traditions. This past year, the Konosioni Honor Society added a new one to the list — the torch medal. The medal is engraved with Colgate’s seal whose flaming torch serves as a guide as well as a source of light and inspiration. Seniors can award a medal to a member of the Colgate community who had the most significant impact on their college careers. With more than 110 medals conferred — and some people receiving more than one — this year, the new tradition honors the close connection between students and their mentors. From staff members in the admission office and buildings and grounds to professors in Russian studies and geology, the diverse range of recipients reflected the students’ profound gratitude for the Colgate community. — Laura D’Angelo ’14 To see the students with their mentors and medals, check out Colgate’s Facebook page.
“ I see Steve on a regular weekday basis; we always greet each other with a smile, and a little humor, and [I] always wish him well on his day on the mountain (classes). I was truly shocked and honored to receive the medal.” — Larry Crandall, Custodian Student: Stephen Xu ’13 Relationship: Crandall works in the Delta Upsilon fraternity, where Xu lived.
“ She has been instrumental in modeling the living of her Jewish faith to my son, Colby. I could not be more proud of her.” — Patti Van Voorhis, Sodexo employee in Case Library’s Hieber Café “ I love seeing her and her family around campus and know I will always have a connection to this region because of them.” — Becca Friedland ’13 Relationship: After tutoring Van Voorhis’s son for his Bar Mitzvah and in Hebrew, Friedland developed a lasting connection with the entire family.
“ Krista has shown me patience, support, and kindness unceasingly since the day I emailed her out of the blue to join her lab for summer research after my first year. I imagine that I would be a very different person right now were it not for Krista’s support.” — Andrew Hoadley ’13 “ As professors, we teach because we want to touch someone’s life, to make a difference. The medal symbolizes this in a tangible way. The irony is that often the students who have passed on the torch medal have actually inspired me to become a better teacher.” — Krista Ingram, Assistant Professor of Biology Relationship: Hoadley also took animal behavior classes and an independent study with Ingram.
“ Every one of the students who gave me a medal took the time to have a serious conversation with me about how they were influenced by me, and this conversation was a gift to me and I think perhaps to them as well. In my experience, it can be difficult for students to articulate their feelings for their professors, and this medal seemed to me to give them a specific opening for doing this.” — Jenna Reinbold, Assistant Professor of Religion Students: Fran Hodgins ’13, Alicia Scully ’13, Meegan Smith ’13, Nile Williams ’13
“ I always try to be a bright spot in the morning for the students. They are a wonderful group of people and the fact that a bus driver should be so honored speaks well of [the university’s] instruction and overall acceptance of anyone no matter [her] station in life.” — Reenie Delacy Student: Sarah Henderson ’13 Relationship: Henderson was a frequent rider on Cruiser B, which Delacy drove every morning.
“ Personally speaking, it is, hands down, the highest distinction I have received to date. I will treasure it for years to come.” — Milan Babik, Visiting Assistant Professor of Political Science Student: Shilpa Ahlawat ’13 Relationship: Ahlawat took two of Babik’s upper-level political science courses.
13 Page 13 is the showplace
for Colgate tradition, history, and school spirit.