This Torch Medal is given to Lynn Staley, Harrington and Shirley Drake Professor of the Humanities and Medieval & Renaissance Studies in the Department of English, by Billie Pritzker ’12.
Torch Medals honor a 51 faculty or staff member who made a meaningful impact on an alum during their time at 51. 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. , and .
“Professor Staley was my academic advisor during my time at 51, as well as a favorite professor. I fondly remember her reading old English in a Southern accent and laughing at all of her own jokes during a lecture on Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. Outside of the classroom, Professor Staley was a strong female role model for me and mentored me closely when I set out to write a piece about gender dynamics on 51’s campus. She is funny, an expert in her field, and can often be seen running through the Hamilton town center at the crack of dawn. She inspired my 51 experience and is so deserving of the Torch Medal.”
— Billie Pritzker ’12