B.A., English Literature; Cincinnati, Ohio

Meghan Nestor Coil, daughter of Peggy Coil of Amberacres Drive, Cincinnati, and Robert Coil of Harbury Drive, Cincinnati, was among six Denison University seniors who were honored by President Dale T. Knobel as this year's "President's Medalists" during the University's annual Academic Awards Convocation on April 11. Coil is a 1999 graduate of Walnut Hills High School in Cincinnati.

President Knobel's presentation remarks:

"Meghan, you have carved a lasting legacy not only in the Denison landscape, but well beyond the college in Granville, Licking County, and even farther afield.

"As an English major, music performance minor, and member of phi beta kappa, you have interwoven your intellectual interest in music and your performance of music to create a rich and deeply-nuanced artistic fabric.

"With your violin professor you presented a lecture demonstration at a national conference, and you also co-presented a session with him at the 10th Suzuki Association of the Americas Conference. He observes that you bring an intense intellectual scrutiny to your violin performance, and that you have an uncommon grasp of the technical differences between performing classical violin and 'country' fiddle. He also says that no matter how busy you are, you are 'always there to help,' whether it is to perform in one of the many ensembles you belong to, to play a key role in meeting with prospective students for admissions, or simply to support your fellow performers.

"The following comment from your teacher is telling: 'Many nights I arrive at rehearsals to find Meghan helping a violinist with a tough spot or resolving a question of bow direction with another section leader.'

"A list of your performances this past year on campus and in the community takes up an entire page. That surprises no one who is aware that you have been a loyal and long-term member of the Denison Orchestra, the Denison Bluegrass Ensemble, the Choir Orchestra, the Granvillbillies, and the Land of Legend Philharmonic Orchestra in Newark. As a classical violinist, you have stirred the deepest aesthetic sensibilities of your audiences. As a fiddler you have made them want to dance.

"Meghan, we wish you well as you embark on the next step of your career, and you can be assured that Denison is grateful that you have spent the past four years here fiddling your life away!"