Craig Le Blanc and Francisco Alaniz Uribe of EVDS have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to teaching, learning, and student success as recipients of the inaugural University of Calgary Teaching Awards.
The Teaching Awards honour members of the university community who exemplify the university's Eyes High vision by creating deep and lasting learning experiences through their commitment, innovation, and expertise.
Le Blanc has been selected as the recipient of the Teaching Award for Non-Academic Staff. This award recognizes exemplary achievements of non-academic full-time staff in supporting student learning experiences at a faculty level.
"I'm very grateful even to have been considered for this award," he says, "but this is not merely about my impact; it is recognition of the strong team supporting the pedagogic goals throughout EVDS. Without a significant academic and technical infrastructure we would not be able to impart our experience upon the students."
Alaniz is the recipient of the Teaching Award for Sessional Instructors. This award is presented to a sessional instructor who motivates students' interest and learning through designing and implementing effective, engaging learning experiences.
"Teaching, for me, is the opportunity to help others in their pursuit of knowledge," says Alaniz of his recognition. "It doesn't escape me that I am just one of many other sessional instructors in the University that are committed to high quality teaching, and that work very hard every day to provide students with the best learning experience possible."
Le Blanc and Alaniz were recognized alongside other winners at an awards celebration on March 24. Both have been invited to join the Teaching Academy at the Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning, which brings honourees together to share their expertise through mentoring or by implementing initiatives of their own design.
"These two wins from the inaugural University Teaching Awards is truly extraordinary," says EVDS D
ean Nancy Pollock-Ellwand.
"It is acknowledgement of the dedicated and talented people that work every day in our midst. We are very fortunate to have such colleagues as Craig and Francisco."
A huge congratulations to Craig and Francisco, on behalf of EVDS faculty, staff, and students!
Main image courtesy of Jae Im in UToday
Second image: Craig Le Blanc and Francisco Alaniz Uribe