The 2017 convocation ceremonies saw four faculty awarded for their excellence
Convocation is a time to celebrate success, achievements and greatness. Students are given the opportunity to recognize their success, walk across the stage and step into their futures. It's also a time to acknowledge the incredible efforts of faculty members who have helped their students make advancements in their careers and in their lives through the Faculty Award for Excellence: Teaching.
"This is the second year we have acknowledged outstanding faculty members who go above and beyond to support our students, "says Dr. Anne Neufeld, provost and vice president, academic. "The faculty at Sask Polytech are truly exceptional and all work hard to ensure our students have the best learning opportunities available. Our success as an institution is reliant on their dedication to fostering student success."
This year, Sask Polytech recognized four faculty members, who demonstrate excellence in teaching. The recipients are:
Jodi Thompson, Medical Diagnostics Department (Saskatoon)
Jodi found as passion for teaching as a mentor to students in the Saskatoon Health Network where she was working as a medical laboratory technologist. In August 2005, Jodi accepted a part-time position at Sask Polytech, then SIAST, and by June 2016 she was working in a full-time instructor in the Medical Diagnostics Department. Over the 12-year period, her teaching duties have varied. What has remained consistent, however, is her dedication to lifelong learning, her commitment to students and her willingness to share her knowledge.
Karrie Orr, School of Nursing instructor (Saskatoon)
Karrie began teaching in the Nursing Education Program of Saskatchewan at Sask Polytech 10 years ago. A recognized and innovative leader who became involved or initiated a variety of projects, Karrie is passionate about her students. She encourages them to achieve their own personal excellence by supporting them to be responsible for their own learning. As a visionary, Karrie proposed and co-developed the Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Nursing program's service learning course — the first of its kind in the province. She is an excellent role model and ambassador for Sask Polytech.
Josh Davidson, Recreation and Community Development Program (Saskatoon)
Josh is known for his passion and enthusiasm for the field of recreation and the impact recreation can have on both individual lives and communities. A graduate of the same program in which he now teaches, Josh’s ability to effectively relate to his students has a noticeable positive impact on their success. By continuing with his education and earning a related university degree, he is an inspirational model of dedication to personal and educational excellence. Josh creates opportunities for students to develop leadership skills , provides opportunities for students to work with Newcomers to Canada that introduce them to typical Canadian recreation activities; and demonstrates authenticity by practicing in his personal life a commitment to recreation as a foundation for a healthy life style.
Ron Mang, School of Community Services (Regina)
Ron is passionate about teaching English and has served as an English as an Additional Language and LINC instructor since 1979. His colleagues describe him as a student-focused educator who goes to extraordinary efforts to support the success of his students and colleagues. They say that Ron excels as an instructor and is a role model for his fellow faculty. Having helped countless newcomers to Canada get settled and learn English, Ron has provided a positive impact to many people throughout the province.
Congratulations to this year's Faculty Award for Excellence: Teaching recipients. We are extremely fortunate to have faculty that are not only experts in their fields, but also leaders in education. Thank you for all you do for our students and intuition.
Faculty Award for Excellence: Teaching recipients received a framed medal, funding towards professional development and recognition at their campus convocation. They are invited to participate in the Provost Excellence in Teaching sessions hosted by the Instructional and Leadership Development Centre next fall.
Published June 2017.