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ALUMNI HONOUR THREE FOR TEACHING EXCELLENCE
The Alumni Association honoured three stellar professors at Spring Convocation, held this past June, with the
Alumni Award for Distinguished Contributions to University Teaching.
D
r. Philip Dutton,
former head of
the Chemistry and Biochemistry
epartment, received letters of support for
his nomination from current and former
students that praised his passion and
commitment.
“Dr. Dutton’s enthusiasm helped me
rise above my obstacles and strive for
excellence,” wrote Sara Ghoneim. “He
always challenged his students and engaged
us in his lectures in ways that made the
course material unforgettable.” Colleagues
touted his versatility—he teaches courses
in a variety of subjects, including large,
introductory classes, and helped to develop
a redesigned undergraduate curriculum.
Dutton says that, “There is nothing
more satisfying than watching students
move through the training of their
undergraduate and graduate careers and go
on to be successful contributors to society.”
Knowing and trusting the strengths of
each teacher candidate in her classes is what
drives education professor
Kara Smith.
In nominating Dr. Smith, Acting
Associate Dean Geri Salinitri said she most
appreciates Smith’s creative approach to
assessment. “She varies her approach with
each course and constantly reflects on the
value of the assessment to the learning in
the classroom. Her style is dynamic and
fluid and her belief in students’ talents
directs their success.”
Smith, editor of
Teaching, Learning,
Assessing: A Guide for Effective Teaching at
College and University,
says that she believes
in helping her students enter their careers
with a thirst for continued discovery.
Two words resurface in the letters of
support for English professor
Dale Jacobs:
innovation and generosity. Dr. Jacobs is
director of the department’s composition
program, the only one of its kind in the
country. Its graduates praise him for going
“above and beyond”.
Graduate Hollie Adams wrote that
when she and two classmates completed
the pedagogy seminar, they wanted to
continue their studies. “While he was
already teaching a full course-load, Dr.
Jacobs agreed to develop and supervise a
directed study, tailored specifically to our
interests,” she said. “Despite the amount of
work involved, he was actually eager to take
on this additional responsibility.”
Josh Mehler recalls Jacobs’ willingness
to learn with his graduate students. “There
is no doubt that Dr. Jacobs cares deeply
and genuinely about his students and their
success, and that genuine connection
is reflected in every aspect of his
academic life.”
Established in 1987, the alumni
teaching award recognizes excellence in
all areas of teaching, including classroom
presentation, curriculum development,
versatility, teaching methods, and
student support.
The University of Windsor Alumni Association
invites nominations for the Alumni Award
for Distinguished Contributions to University
Teaching. The deadline is February 3, 2014.
See the alumni website for award criteria and
the intent to nominate form,
.
ca/alumni/awards
Dr. Philip Dutton
Dr. Kara Smith BComm
’90
Dr. Dale Jacobs
