The School of Communication at Universidad ORT Uruguay the 2025 Teaching Excellence Awards Ceremony, an event that has become an institutional tradition, aimed atrecognizing the teaching work carried out throughout the yearandhonoring those who have been with the institutionfor 20 years.
The event brought together officials, faculty members, and academic staff from theSchool of Communication and the School of Graduate and Continuing Education in Communication and Design, highlighting the fundamental role of teaching in the professional and personal development of students.
The Institutional Perspective on Teaching Excellence
During the event’s opening ceremony, the dean of the School of Communication, Dr. Esteban Zunino, emphasized that teaching excellence goes beyond the mere transmission of content and is linked to community building, empathy, and supporting students:
Teaching excellence is pedagogical and academic excellence, but it also involves empathy, inspiration, and the ability to recognize when there is a problem in the classroom that requires intervention strategies.
In his remarks, the dean also emphasized the vocational nature of teaching and the ongoing challenge of adapting to ever-changing generations and contexts, highlighting the daily commitment of those who uphold the academic quality of the School.
Awards from the School of Communication
Educational Innovation 2025: Soledad Lienau
The School of Communication’s2025 Award for Educational Innovationwas presented toSoledad Lienau, who holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Buenos Aires and has completed graduate-level studies in social responsibility and sustainability at Torcuato Di Tella University.
Lienau teaches courses on corporate social responsibility, sustainable development, and impact communication, integrating social and environmental goals across the board into communication education. Upon receiving the award, she said:
When a student tells you that a course has changed the way they think or that they want to pursue a career in development communication, that in itself is a huge reward.
Teacher of the Year 2025: Rafaella Onetto
The2025 Rising Star in Educationaward went toRafaella Onetto, who holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication with a concentration in Corporate Communication from ORT, as well as a certificate in Business Analytics.
His professional background combinesdata visualization and storytelling, offering a contemporary perspective on the strategic use of data in communication.
In accepting the award, he highlighted the institutional support and the active role students play in shaping the educational experience.
Teaching Excellence 2025: Marta Sajdak
The2025 Award for Teaching Excellencewas presented toMarta Sajdak, a teacher recognized for her strong academic background, methodological rigor, and commitment to the learning process, as well as for her sensitivity to intercultural and linguistic challenges in the classroom.
From Rio de Janeiro, Sajdak shared a heartfelt message in which he stated:
This recognition means a great deal to me, because not only am I now working in the field I love most, but I also have the privilege of doing so at a college that welcomed me with open arms.
Acknowledgments from the School of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education in Communication and Design
Educational Innovation: Gabriel Vasilev
Within the School of Graduate and Continuing Education in Communication and Design, the Award forEducational Innovation was presentedtoGabriel Vasilev, who was recognized for his leadership in projects related to generative artificial intelligence, his creative approach, and his constant willingness to take on new academic challenges.
Vasilev emphasized the importance of taking the initiative to innovate in the classroom:
The key is to teach the kind of class you would have liked to take and to have the courage to say yes, because happiness often comes after overcoming fear.
Teacher of the Year: Lucía Guedes
The "Rising Star in Teaching" award was presented toLucía Guedes, a professor recognized for designing an academic program focused on the ethics of design and the development of technological products, integrating critical reflection and practical tools for professional practice.
In his remarks, Guedes emphasized the importance of motivation and ethical responsibility in graduate education.
A Tribute to 20 Years of Achievement
During a special moment in the ceremony, the dean presented awards to the staff members who had served at the school for two decades.
The following individuals were honored, in alphabetical order: Enrique Badaró, Gerardo Castelli, Guilherme de Alencar Pinto, and Adrián Massa.
This gesture reflects the value of perseverance, dedication, and sustained contributions to the institution's development.
A tribute to their career and collective work
The 2025 Faculty Awards reaffirmed the commitment of the School of Communication at Universidad ORT Uruguay academic excellence, educational innovation, and the recognition of faculty contributions, honoring both those who have distinguished themselves through their recent achievements and those who have been building the institution for two decades.
As was noted during the ceremony, university life is a collective endeavor, sustained day by day by dedication, professionalism, and a passion for teaching.
