OUSA’s 2024 Award for Teaching Excellence

This month, the OTSU celebrates its first full year as a voting member of the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA), and we were honoured to sponsor this year’s annual Partners in Higher Education Dinner. As such, the OTSU and its students awarded two instructors with the OUSA Award for Teaching Excellence—instructors whose commitment to supporting students goes above-and-beyond, and ensures students are getting a high quality of education at Ontario Tech: Dr. Syed Qadri and Dan Walters.

• Dr. Syed Qadri, an Assistant Professor at 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.

• Dan Walters, an instructor in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, juggles multiple roles, including Practicum and Internship Coordinator. 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.

View the full transcript of remarks below.