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Dr. Marc Hurwitz is the Associate Director of Undergraduate and Non-Degree Studies and an Associate Professor in the Teaching Stream at the Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business within the Faculty of Engineering. With 11 years of teaching experience at the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ, Marc is acknowledged by students, peers, and faculty for his exceptional passion, creativity, and engagement in teaching.

One student shared: "His teaching made me realize that great leadership isn't about control—it's about clarity, adaptability, and making it effortless for others to align with a shared vision."

Marc's genuine approach to student engagement shines through in the praise he receives. One faculty member observed: 'My students consistently highlight Marc's workshop as one of the best parts of Orientation Week.'

Marc is also recognized for his innovative teaching methods and dedication to student growth. One faculty member noted: "Feedback from my students is that Marc's workshop is always one of the highlights of the Orientation Week."

Dr. Martin Pei is an Associate Professor, Teaching Stream, in the Faculty of Mathematics, Department of Combinatorics & Optimization. Teaching at ��ݮ��Ƶ since 2011, Martin has demonstrated excellence in his teaching and dedication to his students.

Martin's dedication has left a lasting impact on both students and peers. A colleague described Martin as "a stellar teacher -- he clearly loves teaching, and does this extraordinarily well."

Martin's influence extends beyond the classroom. He is known for his exceptional advising and effective course coordination. A colleague remarked: "His versatility and experience in terms of the topics he can teach, and his readiness to step into any teaching role, make him an invaluable asset to C&O, the Faculty of Mathematics, and the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ."

What makes a Distinguished Teacher Award winner, you might ask? The main criterion is a record of��excellent teaching��over an extended period��at ��ݮ��Ƶ, usually at least five years.

Tune in tomorrow for an overview of the Amit and Meena Chakma Awards for Exceptional Teaching by a Student.

Tech Horizons Executive Forum recognized for excellence and impact

A message from WatSPEED.

WatSPEED is proud to share that the Tech Horizons Executive Forum has been recognized with:

• A 2025 Gold Quill Award of Merit from the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) for excellence in community relations.��
• A finalist designation for Best Event by an Academic Institution at the 2025 Canadian Event Awards.��

Held in fall 2024, the forum brought together leading University of ��ݮ��Ƶ academics, senior business leaders, and global thought leaders to explore how emerging technologies, cutting-edge research, and human ingenuity can shape a more��resilient and innovative future.����

By connecting some of ��ݮ��Ƶ’s research strengths with the most pressing challenges facing business and society, Tech Horizons strengthens the University’s leadership in technology-driven research and lifelong learning. With ��ݮ��Ƶ’s strong ties to Canada’s technology and business ecosystem, the forum continues to deepen cross-sector relationships, foster new partnerships, and help advance innovation that supports economic and societal impact. ����

Planning for the 2025 forum already underway. If you’re interested in partnering or exploring opportunities for collaboration, please connect with the WatSPEED team directly at watspeedevents@uwaterloo.ca.��

Celebration of Life for Bob Truman and other notes

Colleagues of retired Director of Institutional Analysis and Planning (IAP) Bob Truman have reported that he suddenly last week at the age of 76. Well known across campus, Truman spent nearly 40 years at the University, leading the Operations Analysis department, which was later renamed Institutional Analysis and Planning, from 1984 until his retirement in 2010. A more detailed overview of Bob's life and career at ��ݮ��Ƶ is forthcoming, but in the meantime, friends and colleagues should know that his Celebration of Life is scheduled for Thursday, May 15, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home in ��ݮ��Ƶ, with the sharing of memories at 3:00 p.m.

Albert Wong (BSc ’80), a ��ݮ��Ƶ alumnus and citizenship judge, speaks with a young New Canadian at a citizenship ceremony in 2020.

An on-campus citizenship ceremony will take place on May 30. "Taking an oath of citizenship at a citizenship ceremony is the final step on the journey to becoming a Canadian citizen," says a note from teh Faculty of Health. "This step confers rights to the new citizens, such as voting, and acknowledges the responsibilities of citizenship."

"If you’ve ever been interested in experiencing such a ceremony, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada with the Faculty of Health invite you to take part as a guest on May 30 at 10:30 a.m. in the Health Expansion building (EXP 1689). Approximately 50 new citizens will be sworn in. A small reception will be held afterward for them, their families, dignitaries and visitors. Registration is not necessary."

If you're into Eurovision, quite possibly the campiest international song contest out there, then you won't want to miss a couple of events organized by the Faculty of Health's EDI-R committee. The committee will be hosting viewing parties for the international song contest's semi-finals and finals event as follows:

• semi-final event, Tuesday, May 13, 3:00 p.m., BMH 1686.
• finals, Saturday, May 17, 3:00 p.m., BMH 1686.

Eurovision will be streamed live on a big screen, and there will be Swiss snacks available as well as Eurovision Bingo. Registration is welcome but not required.