From left: Ontario Tech University Student Government (OTSU) Executive Director Brian Robson, Ontario Tech Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities Practicum and Internship Coordinator Dan Walters, OTSU Vice President for Student Life Ero Abenbuan, OTSU Vice President for Downtown Angelique Duck, OTSU President Sam Brown, Ontario Tech Interim Vice President Dr. Mary Bluechart, Ontario Tech Faculty of Health Sciences Associate Professor Dr. Saeed Kadri, OTSU Faculty of Education Trustees Mitch and Leslie Fraser, and Alajara Nargentilla.
Ontario Tech instructors play a vital role in students' academic success. In addition to imparting knowledge and skills in the classroom, instructors build connections with students, help develop self-confidence, and engage with the student community.
The Ontario Tech Students' Union (OTSU) recently recognized two outstanding faculty members for their hard work and dedication to student success by presenting them with the Teaching Excellence Award at the Ontario Undergraduate Students' Association (OUSA) Higher Education Partners Dinner. The dinner was attended by OUSA officials, partners, students, politicians, media and members of the higher education industry.
Winner:
Dr. Saeed Kadri, assistant professor, School of Health Sciences
Dr. Kadri's research focuses on understanding the function of red blood cells in the context of hematology and blood bank storage in transfusion medicine. He teaches in the Nursing, Clinical Laboratory Science and Human Health Science programs at Ontario Tech University. Ontario Tech recognized Dr. Kadri for his exemplary dedication and commitment to student success. He was recognized for his excellent ability to create an engaging and inclusive learning environment through student postings, as well as his ability to implement innovative teaching methods such as interactive lectures and group discussions.
Dan Walters, Lecturer and Practicum and Internship Coordinator, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH)
Walters teaches practical courses in all programs at FSSH. Student submissions highlighted Walters' ability to customize students' experiences and make them feel valued as individuals, describing him as a cornerstone of the student experience at Ontario Tech.
Quote
“It was an honour and privilege to be invited by our OTSU to attend the OUSA Higher Education Partners Dinner. It was truly an amazing experience to attend and celebrate both our Ontario Tech recipients, Dan and Saeed, receiving their awards. It was heartwarming to be one of our student leaders illuminating a brighter future for all.”
– Dr. Mary Bruchert, Interim Vice-President, University of Ontario Tech
“I am incredibly grateful and honoured to receive this prestigious recognition from OUSA and to be the first recipient, along with Dan Walters, of this Teaching Excellence Award from Ontario Tech. I am so grateful for Ontario Tech's visionary leadership in fostering excellence in both teaching and research on their campus. It is the energy and enthusiasm of our students that drives the quality of instruction we deliver in our classrooms, so I dedicate this award to them.”
– Dr. Saeed Kadri, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University
“Ontario Tech students continually teach me lessons of strength, resilience and compassion. They overcome oppression, food insecurity, bullying, self-doubt and countless other hardships, and yet I receive an award? It is an incredible honour to receive this inaugural Excellence in Teaching Award alongside the incredible Dr. Syed Kadri. I forget many things but I will never forget the feeling of being recognized by the people I respect most in life – our students. I am forever grateful to the Ontario Tech Students' Union for their leadership, vision and outstanding actions.”
– Dan Walters, Practicum and Internship Coordinator, School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ontario Tech University
