The Faculty of Administration and Social Sciences’ faculty awards ceremony took place on Friday, December 19, 2014, in the auditorium of the Pocitos Campus of Universidad ORT Uruguay.
Awards were presented for excellence in teaching in graduate and executive programs, undergraduate programs, and short-term courses. In addition, awards were given for lifetime achievement and contributions to the faculty, teaching performance, and outstanding professorships.
“We currently have 90 faculty members, representing a community of more than 450, each contributing in different ways and with varying levels of dedication. Thank you all for the contributions you make every day,” said the dean of the faculty, Dr. Gaston J. Labadie.
In the graduate and executive education program, Rodrigo Ribeiro, MBA, received the Award for Teaching Excellence. According to Labadie: “The students nominated him to be recognized as one of the best professors in graduate education in a survey conducted by The Economist. No matter what challenges arise—whether expected or unexpected—he is always there.”
Ribeiro said: “Thank you very much. I don’t just try to teach; I also learn a lot from teaching. I’m thrilled. This award is a huge boost for me. I do this because I enjoy it, and I appreciate that the students chose me.”
The Award for Teaching Excellence in Undergraduate Programs went to a professor in the Bachelor’s Program in International Studies. “You may have read or seen some of his published books. He is a columnist for a show that sometimes keeps us up late: Código País. He teaches the course ‘Uruguayan Politics and Society,’ and his name is Alfonso Lessa.”
Upon receiving the award, the professor said, “Fortunately, I have built a strong relationship with the students in this department. I want to tell you, from the bottom of my heart, that this award means the world to me.”
The recipient of the Award for Teaching Excellence in Short-Term Programs was Javier Martínez, who said, “It is a privilege to receive this award, and it also allows us to do what this work is all about: to be a part of our students’ lives and feel that we are making a difference in them.”
“When they leave, they shouldn’t be the same people they were when they arrived. This goes beyond the technical aspects. This team takes on the responsibility of educating others from both a professional and personal standpoint, fostering values.”
Next, the Teaching Excellence Award—a distinction that Labadie referred to as the “Rising Star Award”—was presented to Alan Cohn, MBA. “After completing his master’s degree, he decided to focus on teaching Business Administration and Strategic Management. “He receives this special recognition today and, of course, remains in the running for the eventual award for teaching excellence,” explained Labadie.
“It’s a joy, a surprise, and I’m thrilled to receive this award. Beyond the personal touch each of us brings to it, I want to acknowledge my mentors. No matter what you build, if you don’t have the necessary guidance, it’s very difficult,” said Cohn.
“The Faculty’s Lifetime Achievement and Contribution Award was presented to a faculty member who has been with us for many years. He started out as a part-time professor and eventually decided to devote himself more fully to academia: Dr. Juan José Barrios,” said Labadie.
“It’s been a long journey,” Barrios said as he accepted the award, and he thanked his coworkers.
The Outstanding Department Award went to the Family Business Administration Department. “It’s not a very large department, but it has steadily built up its program. It operates systematically, with resources and activities that allow us to collaborate with other business schools around the world,” said Labadie.
For his part, Rodolfo Gioscia, MBA, associate professor of Family Business Administration, said that “family businesses are one of the many unique features of the university.”
“What I want to highlight is the work of all the teachers who have worked with the students to challenge them and help them grow as future professionals,” Gioscia concluded.
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