Five faculty, two librarians honoured for their achievements
BY REBECCA KENDALL
Five U of G professors and two librarians were honoured with teaching and academic librarianship awards from the U of G Faculty Association (UGFA) Oct. 27.
The association's annual awards were established in 1984 to acknowledge significant contributions to teaching by individual professors and academic librarians and to provide tangible recognition for excellence.
“We had some outstanding winners this year, and I'm truly impressed with their accomplishments,” says UGFA president Prof. Ed Carter, Mathematics and Statistics. “I was very pleased to present these awards on behalf of the association.”
The awards are made on the basis of student evaluations, letters of support from students and colleagues, and the recipients' efforts in curriculum development.
This year's winners include Prof. Bill Cormack, History, who also received the 2005 College of Arts Teaching Award. He was honoured for his approachable nature and ability to give informative, thought-provoking and entertaining lectures while challenging students to think about the material in new ways.
Prof. Tina Widowski, Animal and Poultry Science, was recognized for her enthusiasm and attention to detail and for providing a learning environment that promotes participation and academic excellence.
Prof. Steve Lynch, Hospitality and Tourism Management, is described as a passionate instructor who uses a variety of methods to teach everyone from undergraduates to industry executives.
“I've been fortunate to work with and learn from colleagues who distinguish themselves through their commitment to excellence,” says Lynch. “I am humbled by this honour.”
Prof. Pal Fischer, Mathematics and Statistics, was recognized for his well-thought-out lectures and balanced courses, as well as his patience, good humour and wisdom.
“I'm very pleased to see the appreciation expressed by my students and colleagues,” he says. “I've always wanted to show to my students the beauty of mathematics and educate them about its numerous applications.”
Prof. Gordon Hayward, Engineering, was cited for instilling the love of learning in students and his ability to dynamically adapt to a class's learning style.
Academic librarianship awards went to Linda Graburn of the McLaughlin Library and Jim Brett of the Ontario Veterinary College Learning Commons.
Graburn was recognized for exemplary service to students through research consultation and meticulously identifying areas requiring additional or upgraded resources. Brett was honoured for providing advice, direction and guidance to colleagues and implementing novel ideas to keep the library and its resources at the forefront of technology and science.
