‘There is nobility in teaching’

At a recent ceremony in the Engineering, Computer Science and Visual Arts Integrated Complex (EV), Concordia’s Faculty of Fine Arts honoured Juan Carlos Castro, assistant professor in the Department of Art Education and Roy Cross, associate professor at the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema, with Distinguished Teaching Awards.

“Pedagogical practice across all units in our Faculty is valued at the same level as research,” said Catherine Wild, dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts. “The number of people who take stewardship of their programs into their own hands is outstanding.”

The awards recognize classroom teaching, curriculum or program development and the advancement of teaching and advising practices. Faculty members each receive $1,500 in support of their work.

Castro was given the Emerging Award, which celebrates the contributions of individuals with five to 10 years of experience in the faculty. The Established Award, given to professors who have been with the faculty for a minimum of 10 years, went to Cross.

In addition to Wild, Benoit-Antoine Bacon, provost and vice-president of Academic Affairs, and Mark Sussman, associate dean of Academic and Student Affairs, attended the ceremony on May 12.

In his address, Bacon spoke about how the classroom contributions of the two professors bolster Concordia’s reputation for providing a top-notch academic experience, and for being a place where students are exposed to research of the highest quality.

“The importance of teaching at Concordia is exemplified by the exceptional quality and impact of the people in the Faculty of Fine Arts,” he said.