��������

This year the Ontario Tech Student Union (OTSU) celebrated its first full year as a voting member of the  and was honoured to sponsor the annual . As such, the OTSU and its students awarded two instructors with the OUSA Award for Teaching Excellence. The award recognizes instructors whose commitment to supporting students goes above-and-beyond, and ensures students are getting a high-quality education at Ontario Tech.

This year’s recipients were Dr. Syed Qadri and Dan Walters.

Dr. Syed Qadri, Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences, specializes in researching red blood cell functions and transfusion medicine. He teaches across multiple programs, creating engaging and inclusive learning environments that inspire and challenge students to realize their full potential by being approachable and supportive while mentoring students personally and academically.

“I am truly grateful for and honoured by this prestigious recognition by OUSA, and for being the first recipient of this Teaching Excellence award from �������� along with Mr. Dan Walters,” says Dr. Qadri.  “I am very appreciative of Ontario Tech’s visionary leadership in fostering excellence in both teaching and research on campus. It is the energy and enthusiasm of our students that motivates us to provide high-quality course delivery in our classrooms, and therefore I dedicate this award to my students.”

Dan Walters, an Instructor in the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, juggles multiple roles including Practicum and Internship Co-ordinator. With a background in music, community work, and academia, Dan is deeply committed to student engagement and community involvement. He chairs committees, organizes events, and advocates for community-based learning.

“Ontario Tech students continually teach me lessons in strength, resilience and compassion,” says Walters. “They navigate oppression, food insecurity, bullying, self-doubt and a host of unknowable challenges—and yet I’m the one getting an award?  And to receive this first-ever Excellence in Teaching award along with the brilliant Dr. Syed Qadri is beyond humbling. I forget lots of things in life but will never forget how it feels to be recognized by the people I admire most—our students. I am forever indebted to the Ontario Tech Student Union for their leadership, vision, and excellence-in-action.”