https://youtu.be/rY9L3p1N7iQ
“Nothing will be the same after the coronavirus. This has been a true test for our academic community, which has demonstrated its courage and commitment, ”said Dr. Gaston J. Labadie—dean of the School of Management and Social Sciences at Universidad ORT Uruguayduring the Teaching Excellence Awards Ceremony.
The event, which took place on Thursday, December 17, 2021, was held simultaneously in-person and via HyFlex®.
During the ceremony, awards were presented for excellence in teaching in undergraduate, short-term, graduate, and executive programs; for outstanding professorships; for career achievements and contributions to the faculty and research; as well as for the supervision of final theses and final degree projects.
Everyday enjoyment
The Award for Teaching Excellence in Graduate and Executive Programs was presented to Guillermo Magnou, M.A.—coordinator of Comprehensive Risk Management at Integración AFAP—who commented: “I’m surprised and very happy to receive this award. These past two years at the university have been incredible, and I’m grateful to the university for allowing me to do what I love.”
Grow and contribute
The Award for Teaching Excellence in University Programs was presented to Dr. (Cand.) Diego Telias—a faculty member at the Center for Asian Studies at the Catholic University of Chile—who noted that the Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies encouraged him to develop a critical mindset. He also thanked the program coordinators for giving him the opportunity to grow and contribute through teaching.
Lessons learned
Dinorah Margounato, Esq.—deputy academic coordinator of marketing—and winner of the Award for Teaching Excellence in Short-Term Programs, highlighted the support she received from the faculty, as well as the guidance she received from her mentors and the companionship and support of her peers and colleagues. “I would like to pay tribute to the people who aren’t here to receive the awards, but who make all of this possible.”
Awaken Knowledge
The Teaching Excellence Award was presented to Sofía Labadie, M.A. —HR Manager at Qualabs—.
“I was thrilled to spend time with the students, to inspire their curiosity, to listen to their stories, and to help them develop their leadership skills from there,” Labadie said.
“For me, this recognition is a symbol of overcoming adversity, so thank you very much,” he added.
The Future
Sebastián Moreno, M.A.—a consultant in communication and brand strategy—received the Award for Academic Research and Production.
“I just want to say thank you and hope that this will serve as an incentive to keep doing good research.”
Teamwork
Cristina Tolosa, Ph.D.—professor of General Accounting and Financial Statement Analysis—and recipient of the Award for Lifetime Achievement and Contribution to the Faculty, said: “I feel like this is my home, and I do everything with great passion. I love it. I have a wonderful group of people I’m thrilled to work with. Thank you very much.”
Focus on case studies
Gaston J. Labadie said, “We are going to present two new awards: one for thesis advisors and another for advisors of something that sets us apart in Uruguay and the region—business plans.”
The Final Thesis Advisor Award was presented to Dr. (Cand.) Virginia Delisante, who said:
“Thesis supervision is intense work. At a time when theses are tending to disappear or become increasingly limited in scope, I think it’s very important that we maintain this practice and continue to invest in it. We’ve seen that they make master’s programs and master’s theses much easier to complete,” he added.“I put my heart and soul into everything I do. I hope that’s what my students recognize.”
New Hires
“One of the greatest joys I’ve had in college was bringing in truly valuable people, ”said Pablo Hartmann, a graduate student in International Marketing and director of Metrix Marketing, who received the Final Project Advisor Award.
The emphasis on education
Finally, the dean presented the Outstanding Department Award, which this year went to the Department of Agribusiness. “This is a department with a long history, a stellar track record, and excellent evaluations from all faculty members,” Labadie said.
Dr. Pablo Caputi—professor of Agribusiness in the School of Management and Social Sciences—added: “My dream is for Uruguay to be like Australia, where one of its main sources of income is higher education. And I believe ORT is destined to be the university that achieves that.”