Alana Fretes Burgos ’12 honors Tom Howard

Back to All Stories

This Torch Medal is given to Tom Howard, Senior Lecturer in the Division of University Studies, by Alana Fretes Burgos ’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, and give yours here.


“During my undergraduate years, I had the privilege of participating in two of Professor Howard’s courses. Professor Howard wonderfully integrates a wide variety of sources, including literature, music, and art, as he teaches his insightful classes. He encourages students to find their own voices during group discussions and takes the time to know his students on an individual level. As an international student from Paraguay, I can confidently say that he helped me feel like Colgate was my new home. (Also, he and his wife Becky host the best Halloween cookie decorating parties!) Thank you for everything, Professor Howard! The world needs more professors and human beings like you.”

— Alana Fretes Burgos ’12