News

2025 Teacher Awards Ceremony: Celebrating a Calling That Leaves a Lasting Impact

January 28, 2026
On a day set aside specifically to recognize dedication, commitment, and academic excellence, the School of Business and Social Sciences held another edition of its Faculty Awards Ceremony.

2025 Teacher Awards Ceremony

The event took place on Friday, December 19, 2025, at the new Business School building. Faculty members from a variety of roles and backgrounds gathered there to play a key role in shaping students’ academic development and university experience.

The Joy of Teaching Well

The Award for Teaching Excellence in Graduate and Executive Programs was presented to Agustín Tricánico. “I’m not usually the type to get nervous, but this time I am. It’s a pleasure for me to teach at ORT,” he said, reflecting the close and genuine bond he builds with his students in the classroom.

*Magalí Da Silva and Agustín Tricánico*

Teach by listening, learn by teaching

Fernanda Gutiérrez received the Award for Excellence in Teaching in university programs.

Upon receiving the award, she highlighted the role her students have played in her own professional growth: “This is for my students; it’s for them. When you listen, you learn… and I love listening—that’s how I learn everything.”

*Fernanda Gutiérrez*

An honor that transcends borders 

From Washington, D.C., Marco Guimaraens participated in the ceremony via video call to receive the Award for Excellence in Teaching in Short-Term Programs

He expressed his gratitude for the recognition with words full of enthusiasm: “I’m so excited—it’s the best gift to end the year with.”

*Marco Guimaraens*

The Value of Trust in the Early Stages

Ignacio Umpiérrez received the Newcomer Award / Recognition for Teaching Excellence.

When he took the floor, he expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and the trust placed in him since the beginning of his academic career: “Thank you for entrusting me, despite my youth, with such a great responsibility. I’m speechless.” 

This recognition highlighted the importance of supporting and empowering the new generation of faculty members within the school.

*Ignacio Umpiérrez and Rodrigo Lluberas*

Supporting processes, shaping outcomes

The Final Project Advisor Award waspresented to Pablo Schaffner.

In simple, heartfelt words, he emphasized the profound meaning of his role as a mentor: “Thank you for letting me do what I love so much.”

Their work is characterized by providing close support to students during one of the most significant stages of their academic education.

*Pablo Schaffner*

Research to Teach Better

Marcos Segantini was awarded the Prize for Research and Academic Production.

Upon receiving the award, he emphasized the impact of research on teaching practices and university life: “Through the research process, we are keeping ourselves up to date as educators. Research is important for the university.” 

*Marcos Segantini and Néstor Gandelman*

A shared recognition

Juan José Barrios received one of the special awards at the ceremony.

He expressed his gratitude to the academic community of the Bachelor’s Program in International Studies, highlighting the collective effort and ongoing support of those involved in the program: “I’m very excited.”

*Juan José Barrios*

The spark that makes teaching worthwhile

Julio de Brun, like Barrios, received one of the special awards presented during the ceremony.

His words highlighted the profound—though often unseen—impact of the interaction between teachers and students.

Reflecting on his experience in the classroom, he highlighted those subtle yet meaningful moments that make teaching worthwhile: “Sometimes in class, you catch a glimpse of understanding. That’s something intangible that you, as a teacher, take with you.”

*Julio de Brun*

A look that leaves a lasting impression

Teresa Cometto spoke at the ceremony, offering remarks that highlighted the profound significance of the event and the faculty’s collective history. That same day, she concluded her tenure as dean, paving the way for the inauguration of the new dean, Mariella de Aurrecoechea, MBA.

“For me, this is the most wonderful celebration of the year. It showcases the faculty’s academic and research talent, as well as the contributions they’ve made over many years. It’s a very special moment,” he said.

In his message, Cometto reflected on the importance of sustained effort over time and emphasized that achievements are not the result of chance: “I don’t believe in coincidences; I believe in causality,” he stated, noting that results reflect the commitment and decisions made on a daily basis. 

Finally, she expressed her gratitude for the guidance and support she received during her tenure as dean.

*Antonella Paolino, Cecilia Bello, and Teresa Cometto*

The difference is in the details

Antonella Paolino received the Lifetime Achievement and Contribution Award from the faculty.

In her introduction, the former dean highlighted her key role in the dean’s office and her longstanding commitment: “Never forget that you are the one who made the difference,” she said, noting that she is “well known to everyone.” 

He also reflected on a history of more than 20 years of collaboration, marked by dedication, attention to detail, foresight, and rigorous follow-up on every issue.

Paolino expressed his gratitude for the recognition with heartfelt words: “I will always carry all of you in my heart.”

*Antonella Paolino*