Colleagues and students were deeply saddened to learn of the sudden death of Pat Coyle, Programme Leader for Communication, Film and Media Studies, and a long-serving member of our institution.

Pat worked at Anglia Ruskin University and its predecessor institutions for close to 33 years. She joined what was then CCAT (Cambridge College of Arts and Technology), in 1978 and played a crucial role in the changes that transformed the teaching and learning environment at the College. She was appointed Deputy Head of Communication Studies in 1988, Field Leader for Communication Studies in 1992, and Programme Leader for CFM in 2004. She oversaw the growth of her area from a small field to a large and thriving Department with multiple pathways and programmes, and this successful growth was due in large part to Pat's thorough professionalism, both pastoral and administrative.

Pat's health never fully recovered from the injuries she received when she was struck by a car while on holiday in France in the summer of 2008. Pat bore the consequences with customary stoicism and determination. At the beginning of May 2010, Pat was admitted to Addenbrooke's Hospital with a broken leg and died suddenly on 27 May while still in hospital following a pulmonary embolism. She was 56. Pat's funeral was held at the Church of Our Lady of the English Martyrs in Cambridge on 7 June 2010.

Pat is most vividly remembered for two qualities: her forthright nature and integrity as a person, and her profound dedication to teaching. She was someone who believed deeply in justice and intellectual integrity, a fearless, passionate person who left a lasting impression on everyone around her. She will be sorely missed.

A tribute page has been set up for Pat under the ECFM staff pages.

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