Professor Dennis Higgs earned an Alumni Award for Distinguished Contributions to University Teaching during the morning session of Convocation on Tuesday, June 16.Professor Dennis Higgs earned an Alumni Award for Distinguished Contributions to University Teaching during the morning session of Convocation on Tuesday, June 16.

Passionate teacher honoured for generosity to students

His passion and talents as an educator earned biology professor Dennis Higgs an Alumni Award for Distinguished Contributions to University Teaching during the morning session of Convocation on Tuesday, June 16.

A former student says that of the numerous instructors he has had, Dr. Higgs stands out as one of the most unforgettable professors: “He has a teaching style that is like no other.”

Dr. Higgs teaches every class as a partnership, with both sides contributing significant effort to the process.

“Students learn in a variety of styles and a good teacher should be able to reach students regardless of the learning style they require,” the students writes in nominating Higgs for the award.

Higgs’ expertise is not only evident to his students, it is an inspiration to his colleagues. Departmental peers have said that he goes beyond traditional classroom teaching and displays the ability to “mount rigorous, challenging courses and have students truly enjoy the learning experience.”

The Alumni Award for Distinguished Contributions to University Teaching was established in 1987 to honour and recognize excellence in all areas of teaching, including classroom presentation, curriculum development, versatility, teaching methods, and student support.

In addition to Dr. Higgs, social work professor Jill Grant received the honour during the University’s 103rd Convocation ceremonies this week. Click here for a list of previous recipients.