Wilfrid Laurier University is recognizing eight instructors and learning professionals who have made a significant commitment to elevating students’ educational experiences and inspiring fellow educators.
The Donald F. Morgenson Faculty Awards for Teaching Excellence, Laurier’s most prestigious teaching awards program, was named in memory of Laurier Professor Emeritus Donald Morgenson, a longtime faculty member who passed away in 2017.
“The Donald F. Morgenson Awards celebrate Laurier educators who have made a measurable impact on the lives of students through their teaching practices and mentorship,” says Trish McLaren, associate vice-president: academic. “Each of this year’s award recipients should take great pride in their positive impact on students, as well as significant contributions to their faculties and the wider university community.”
The recipients of Laurier’s 2024 Donald F. Morgenson Faculty Awards for Teaching Excellence:
Sustained Excellence (Full-time)
Maxwell Gwynn’s ability to make learning engaging and fun, even when tackling difficult subjects, has made him one of Laurier’s most popular professors and had a measurable impact on student success.
Known for the joy and humour he brings to the classroom, Gwynn has a unique talent for allaying “math phobia” among students through his lighthearted approach, especially when teaching required statistics and mathematics courses.
An assistant professor in the Department of Psychology, Gwynn has taught at Laurier for 31 years and stands out as an exemplary educator for his truly sustained excellence in teaching and mentorship. As an undergraduate advisor for 14 years, he has served as a tireless champion for the Department of Psychology, embodying collegiality and camaraderie held in high regard by his peers.
Throughout his career, Gwynn has consistently taught challenging courses, achieved outstanding evaluation reviews from students, and demonstrated a devotion to learning whether in large classroom environments or providing individual guidance to students.
“Alongside a dedicated lab coordinator and teams of knowledgeable graduate teaching assistants, I strive to dispel students’ math anxiety,” says Gwynn. “I often attempt to do so in lectures by using attention-grabbing – and often bizarre – examples to make the material engaging and memorable, subtly slipping in the needed quantitative material.”
Maxwell Gwynn
Sustained Excellence (Part-time)
Marybeth White’s passion for creating a nurturing and engaging learning environment shines through in her teaching practice, as does her willingness to constantly adapt and “switch it up” as she keeps abreast of new pedagogical innovations.
A part-time instructor at Laurier for 18 years, White’s efforts to foster inclusive classrooms and course materials – including innovative field trips to places of worship in her Religion and Culture classes – demonstrate her commitment to expanding students’ perspectives. She is constantly working to improve her teaching through active engagement with colleagues, workshops and professional development opportunities.
White’s creativity in assessments and her successful implementation of the flipped classroom model – which sees students complete readings and course work at home and work on live problem-solving during class – underscore her exceptional ability to engage and inspire. By integrating diverse assessment methods, such as reflective journal exercises and optional final exams for first-year students, White demonstrates a deep commitment to reducing student stress and promoting inclusivity.
“Each student brings their own experiences and life history with them to university. Working with their existing knowledge to explore new ideas, cultures and religions expands their horizons, understandings and life paths. Being part of that journey is an honour.”
Marybeth White
Early Career Excellence (Full-time)
During nearly four years at Laurier, Avis Beek has gained a reputation as a thoughtful and reflective scholar whose student-centred approach is helping inspire the next generation of educators.
An assistant professor in the Faculty of Education, Beek’s dedication to international teacher education and inclusive STEM pedagogies stand out as significant contributions to the field. Her ability to inspire STEM learners through direct engagement with local schools and under-served groups underscores the value she places on community engagement and student involvement. A proponent of immersive experiential learning, she facilitates overseas teaching placements for students, informing her research on the development of intercultural competence in future educators.
Beek has garnered national recognition and funding for her work through external awards. As a member of the Centre for Leading Research in Education and the EDI-I Coalition in the Faculty of Education, she has actively extended her passion for teaching and learning beyond academic confines, demonstrating her talents as a compassionate, responsive and diligent educator.
“My teaching has been enriched by the unique story of each of my students, reminding me that education is deeply grounded in hope for the future.”
Avis Beek
Early Career Excellence (Part-time)
Elaine Cheng’s approach to education demonstrates an exceptional commitment to quality and innovation.
An instructor in the Archeology and Heritage Studies program for three years, Cheng’s course development and design strategies stand out for their active, applied and experiential nature. Her teaching approach incorporates Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, enhancing tutorial components and revitalizing courses to engage students deeply.
Her dedication to pedagogies of care, especially support for multilingual students, showcases her understanding of diverse learning needs. She has deliberately cultivated a caring environment in her classroom, viewing students as whole individuals who require unique supports.
Cheng maintains close professional networks to introduce students to real-world touchstones in their career planning, including guest speakers, networking with professionals and field experiences. Her reputation is rapidly becoming established among colleagues and students, a testament to the applied and experiential projects she champions.
“As an instructor, I have the fantastic opportunity to connect students to the past through current archaeology and heritage theories while impacting their learning and careers,” says Cheng.
“It is a great honour to receive this recognition and I am grateful for the continuous support from the department and students.”
Elaine Cheng
Hoffman-Little Award for Faculty
Elizabeth Mitchell has played a central role in developing and elevating the profile of Laurier’s Music Therapy programs within local, national and international communities.
An assistant professor and coordinator of the Bachelor of Music Therapy program, Mitchell’s leadership has extended beyond the classroom and university through her establishment of partnerships with local organizations including Lutherwood Children’s Mental Health Services and Homewood Health Centre, where her work is described as having made “historical and significant contributions.” These collaborations have enhanced training opportunities for music therapy students while delivering valuable services to the community.
Mitchell has taught at Laurier for 17 years, previously serving as contract teaching faculty and as the university’s music therapist-in-residence. Her research emphasizes the intersection of theory and practice, further underscoring her commitment to advancing the field of music therapy. In addition, Mitchell’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and Indigenization highlights the breadth of her contributions.
“I collaborate with students to create classrooms that foster critical thinking and embodied learning, with the aim that students re-enter their communities as engaged and thoughtful citizens,” says Mitchell.
“Building relationships with students is always the highlight of my work at Laurier.”
Elizabeth Mitchell
Innovation in Teaching
Jeremy Hunsinger’s teaching strategies inspire students through the cultivation of a studio-like learning environment that focuses on critically engaging with the world.
Unique classroom exercises – including having students identify questions they believe should be addressed in the syllabus and establishing consensus on what constitutes acceptable university-level work – not only draw students in but empower them to take ownership of the learning process.
An associate professor in the Communication Studies program, Hunsinger has taught at Laurier for 13 years. His commitment to innovation extends to his assessment methods, employing strategies including specification grading and project-based learning to motivate students at a deeper level.
By allowing students to choose the direction of their studies and the type of work they wish to pursue, Hunsinger acknowledges and supports the diverse interests and needs of students while fostering a personalized, meaningful learning experience. With a deep commitment to mentorship, Hunsinger is also credited for helping students navigate their career paths long after their time at Laurier.
“Andragogy is where higher education should be, aiding the person’s and their mind’s development,” says Hunsinger. “Andragogy centers on the adult’s choices, which ideally should be playful and engaged with the world.”
“We should assist our students in their development, challenge them and play with them in deeply personal learning environments and experiences.”
Jeremy Hunsinger
Excellence in Internationalization
Simona Pruteanu is widely recognized by students and colleagues for her motivating and inspiring influence, including consistently encouraging students to extend their learning beyond borders.
These qualities are reflected in letters of commendation from peers and students, which speak of Pruteanu’s “will and desire to understand the world and its many complexities, diversities and cultures” and the ways in which she has “profoundly impacted” students’ educational journeys and personal perspectives.
An associate professor in the Languages and Literatures department, Pruteanu has taught at Laurier for nearly 13 years and made significant contributions to the internationalization of education. Despite her students not leaving Canada, Pruteanu ensures they experience the world through her curriculum, dealing with issues of culture and colonialism in French-speaking countries across Europe, Africa and Asia, as well as through engagement with guest speakers.
Pruteanu’s innovative pedagogy is also noteworthy for the incorporation of experiential practices, including creative assessments such as role-play, storytelling and the creation of comic books, as well as incorporating intercultural learning into classroom activities.
“This achievement is a testament to the incredible support and dedication of my colleagues, campus partners, nominators and, above all, my students,” says Pruteanu.
“My students’ unwavering enthusiasm and commitment to embracing global perspectives fuel my passion for innovative teaching. This award is as much theirs as it is mine and I am profoundly grateful for their ongoing inspiration and collaboration.”
Simona Pruteanu
Faculty Mentoring Award
Michael Woodford’s approach to mentorship is distinguished by his dual role as a teacher and researcher who addresses issues of inclusion and wellbeing among diverse 2SLGBTQ+ communities.
A professor in the Faculty of Social Work, Woodford is deeply committed to EDI principles and supports students as they integrate these principles into their research and future social work practice.
His comprehensive mentorship includes guiding and supporting students in their research projects and involving students from across the faculty and beyond in his studies, resulting in research teams that include undergraduate students, graduate students and community partners. In teaching research courses, he integrates hands-on assignments and class exercises focused on developing learners’ skills, knowledge and confidence to engage in research that tackles systems of oppression and ultimately positively impacts marginalized communities.
Woodford’s mentorship of students has been furthered by his work as associate dean of the Social Work PhD program, where he utilizes a holistic approach to support program-wide learning and creates opportunities for students and colleagues to engage on critical topics in support of their academic and personal development.
“Reflecting on this honour, I’m reminded of the countless ways my journey as a faculty member has been enriched by the remarkable students I’ve had the privilege to work with,” says Woodford. “Each mentee has left an indelible mark and I’m continually inspired by their passion, creativity, resilience and commitment to promoting equity and social justice.”
“This award not only acknowledges my efforts but also underscores the profound impact students have had on me and the field.”
Michael Woodford
