The focus on innovation in teaching, the rewards of the teaching profession, and the importance of collaboration in research were among the topics discussed at the 2020 Teaching Excellence Awards Ceremony held by the School of Business and Social Sciences at Universidad ORT Uruguay.
The online event took place on Tuesday, December 8, 2020. During the ceremony, awards were presented for Excellence in Teaching in Graduate and Executive Programs, Undergraduate Programs, and Short-Term Programs, as well as the Recognition of Teaching Performance, the Titan Award, the Award for Research and Academic Production, the Award for Career Achievement and Contribution to the Faculty, and the Award for Outstanding Professorship.
Resilience, agility, and dedication
Before presenting the awards, Dr. Gaston J. Labadie—the dean of the faculty—highlighted the teachers’ commitment, as well as their passion, resilience, adaptability, and dedication.
“This year, we find ourselves transformed, digitized, and inspired by the discoveries we have made—both individually and collectively. We are exhausted by everything the coronavirus has entailed, but we are more united as an academic community than ever,” said the dean.
He noted that, in a time of great change, “what remains unchanged are our core values—the ones that ultimately bring us together in our daily work and in our efforts in the classroom.”
Among the faculty’s achievements, the launch of the Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Business and the Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and Sales Management stood out. Also notable were the short-term programs leading to certifications in Commercial Management and Sales, Tourism and Hospitality Management, and Business Management and Administration.
Stepping out of your comfort zone
Dr. Juan Raso Delgue—a professor of Labor Relations at ORT—received the annual Award for Excellence in Teaching in Graduate and Executive Programs.
“I’m really excited. I never would have imagined winning this award, especially during the Zoom era, which forced us all to step outside our comfort zones. For me, it’s wonderful because it’s a lifetime achievement award that tells me that even at my age, there are still challenges, struggles, and lessons I can share with society through teaching,” said the teacher.
Giants of Education
The following teachers received the Titan Award: Alan Cohn, Federica Abella, Cinthia Eliazer, Agustín Espinosa, Ricardo Hartmann, Enrique Kramer, Eduardo López de Leo, Guillermo Magnou, Natalia Moreno, Norma Pontet, and Natalia Santos.
This award was given to those who have performed exceptionally well and have fostered a high level of engagement among their students during a particularly challenging year marked by the coronavirus.
The Rewards of Teaching
The annual Award for Teaching Excellence in Undergraduate Programs was presented to Dr. Marta Sajdak—a professor in the Bachelor’s Program in International Studies—, Dr. Martín Fridman—a professor in the Public Accounting Program—, Prof. Javier Valle—a professor in the Bachelor’s Program in Management and Administration—, and Dr. Rodrigo Lluberas—a professor in the Bachelor’s Program in Economics—.
The teachers noted that, despite it being a challenging year due to the coronavirus, they were able to grow and reinvent themselves.
Juan Ignacio Morales, a lecturer in the Tourism and Hospitality Management program,received the annual Award for Teaching Excellence in Short-Term Programs.
“I feel very honored and happy to receive this recognition, especially for having the opportunity to work in a field I’m truly passionate about—one that fills me with satisfaction and pride every day—which is teaching,” he said.
The Teaching Excellence Awards were presented to Rafael Lagos, MBA, Sebastián Álvarez, MBA, and Damián Coltzau, M.A.
The teachers expressed their gratitude for the recognition and said that the work “is exciting” and that it “fulfills them intellectually and spiritually.”
Research collaboration
The Research and Academic Production Award was presented to Dr. Teresa Cometto—a professor of marketing at the school and Country Manager at Unilever—and Marcos Baudean, M.A.—a faculty member and associate professor of research methodology at the school.
“This is truly a very special award,” said Baudean. “My main focus is teaching and research at ORT. It’s a tremendous honor for me to have had the opportunity to collaborate with so many people at the university through research.”
“I’m honored to be part of this team and grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had,” Cometto added. “There’s a lot of work to be done, but there are also many people who help, encourage, and energize us. For me, research is key because it allows us—along with teaching— to add value as a university.”
Strengths and weaknesses
Dr. Néstor Gandelman—academic coordinator of research at the School of Business and Social Sciences, academic coordinator of economics, and professor of Principles of Economics—received the Award for Lifetime Achievement and Contribution to the School.
“I’ve been working, living, and growing at ORT for 20 years,” Gandelman said. “Right now, I’m taking on new responsibilities within the faculty. I hope to help preserve its strengths and address its weaknesses.”
The emphasis on innovation
The Outstanding Chair Award was presented to the Department of Organizational Behavior and Human Resources.
Eduardo López De Leo, M.A.—an associate professor—said: “I’ve been at ORT for 25 years, and this has truly been the best part of my life. In our department, we strive to train successful professionals who are capable of managing, and we do so with a focus on action, reflection, and above all, innovation.”
Marcel Mordezki, MBA—an associate professor—noted that “ORT’s human warmth is reflected in the classroom every day,” adding: “We strive to keep students up to date on the latest developments in the region, in Uruguay, and around the world regarding human resources transformation and management. “We are very happy and proud of the work we have done over the years and hope to have the opportunity to continue doing it in the best way possible.”