Profs Recognized for Mentoring
September 09, 2008 - Campus Bulletin
Two University of Guelph professors have been recognized for their success in mentoring.
Prof. Tom Nudds, Department of Integrative Biology, received the Jamie Smith Memorial Award.
Sponsored by the Society of Canadian Ornithologists, the award is named after a former University of British Columbia zoology professor who mentored countless budding ornithologists at the post-doctoral, graduate and undergraduate levels.
The honour recognizes people who have displayed excellence in mentoring a new generation of professional or amateur biologists.
"Without hesitation, Tom has been the single most positive influence on my intellectual development during my academic career," said Mark Drever, one of Nudds's former PhD students involved in the nomination. "He derives satisfaction from empowering students to solve problems through their own devices and to know when they have made a genuine contribution to our understanding of the world. He is a true mentor."
Nudds, who teaches upper-level zoology and field biology courses, said he was surprised to learn he was the recipient of this award, "particularly because I've always considered that I learn more from students than I might impart to them. I am most grateful for the time and effort my former students took to assemble the nomination and to the Society of Canadian Ornithologists for selecting me."
Prof. Nathan Perkins, School of Environmental Design and Rural Development (SEDRD), has been named a Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).
This honour recognizes extraordinary work, leadership, knowledge and service to the profession over a sustained period of time. Perkins was also selected for his exceptional record of teaching and mentoring students.
"We have an exceptional group of faculty, and it's always nice when one of our own is honoured," said Prof. Maurice Nelischer, SEDRD director. "As the undergraduate program co-ordinator, Nate has spent countless hours creating a culture of learning and living that enhances the student experience."
Perkins, who teaches landscape architecture, will be formally inducted into the Council of Fellows at the ASLA annual conference in October.
"The University of Guelph's landscape architecture program is one of the best in the world in large part because the students are absolutely top-notch," said Perkins. "I work with smart, worldly, hard working and passionate students every day, and there is simply no better place to be."
