Champion for students remembered as caring, passionate
Mike Doyle, a longtime Colorado Mountain College employee, died in an automobile accident on Friday, November 12. His official role was an administrative assistant for the TRIO grant programs, Upward Bound and Student Support Services. But he is remembered by co-workers as a teacher, someone who used his talents however he could to help students succeed. Mike is survived by his wife, Aggie Ramos-Doyle, full-time developmental education faculty member in Edwards.
Upward Bound Director Debi Martinez, who knew Mike for seven years, remembers his positive attitude and impact on students:
“He was very diligent in his job responsibilities; and the students benefited from his enthusiasm and creativity!!
“In 2007 he had helped get the Upward Bound grant organized due to his knowledge of the requirements; however, what was very helpful was his passion to be an active team player! He had an ‘up’ attitude to get the high school students involved to ‘do better’ in their academics. Upward Bound Coordinator Allen Burch and I witnessed Mike’s creativity to enhance our high school student’s success.
“He went beyond being an ‘administrative assistant;’ he initiated presentations, seminars and most of all he was a proactive mentor to the students. He touched the student’s life by his encouraging ‘word of wisdom.’”
Allen Burch recalls Mike’s ability to turn any situation into a learning opportunity:
“I began working with CMC Upward Bound three years ago. Mike Doyle, with his wealth of knowledge about grants and CMC, showed me how an administrator can best serve the students’ needs. As a lifelong educator, he knew how to turn the mundane into a lesson. With Mike, every moment was a teachable opportunity.
“The students knew they were special in Mike’s eyes. He treated them as individuals – he knew their interests and showed them how to look deeper, how to take the next step to wherever they are bound. Whether it was college students or high school students, Mike often knew what their needs were before they did. He was in their corner. If ever there was a student centered educator, it was Mike.”
A memorial remembrance for Mike Doyle, long time CMC employee will be held at the Rifle Campus on Saturday November 27th from 1:00 – 3:00. Donations in Mike’s name can be sent to the Colorado Mountain College Foundation’s “No Barriers” fund.
The Spring Valley Library crew is hosting a Remembrance Potluck in honor of Mike Doyle on Friday, December 3rd at 12pm in the Quigley Library. For those who are away for the Thanksgiving holiday, this gathering will be an opportunity for those who knew and cared about Mike.