The University of Calgary’s Students’ Union has announced the winners of the annual Teaching Excellence Awards (TEA). This program recognizes professors, instructors, and teaching assistants who have shown remarkable dedication to student success during the past academic year. This year, 41 members of the university were honored, celebrating their commitment to prioritizing students.
Driven by student nominations and selections, nearly 1,000 nominations were received for the TEA program, with 77 educators shortlisted for final review. Award winners received the Apple Award and a framed certificate, signifying their contributions. The SU also pledged a $5,000 donation to the Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning in honor of the winners.
Highlighted award recipients include Darsh Tripathi, a teaching assistant, and Dr. Safaneh Mohaghegh Neyshabouri, who won the Hall of Fame Award for long-term contributions. Notable professors from various faculties received recognition, including Dr. Jessalyn K. Holodinsky from the Cumming School of Medicine and Kathleen Hughes from the Faculty of Arts.
The TEA awards illustrate cross-disciplinary excellence, with educators celebrated for their impactful teaching across diverse fields, such as Nursing, Engineering, and Social Work. Names like Gurjit Gill and Jillian Marie Doyle were honored for their teaching assistant roles, emphasizing their support to students.
Since its inception in 1975 and its refined format from 1984, the TEA awards underscore the University of Calgary’s commitment to maintaining high teaching standards. They demonstrate the importance of professional development, supported through funds donated to the Taylor Institute, ensuring educators meet evolving student needs.
In conclusion, the TEA program is vital in recognizing teaching excellence at the University of Calgary. It celebrates individual achievements while enhancing overall education through professional growth, fostering a supportive academic environment. The awards highlight the educators’ pivotal role in inspiring and mentoring students, contributing to a thriving academic community.
