Tom Cunningham, a professor with the School of Applied Sciences, Apprenticeship, Skilled Trades and Technology, recently received a provincial Leadership in Faculty Teaching (LIFT) award.
For demonstrated excellence in the classroom and a caring, dedicated approach to students, Durham College professor Tom Cunningham has received a 2007 Leadership in Faculty Teaching (LIFT) award.
A professor with the School of Applied Sciences, Apprenticeship, Skilled Trades and Technology, Cunningham said the Government of Ontario award to recognize teaching excellence was completely unexpected.
"Teaching is a passion for acquiring knowledge and having compassion for students, as well as a strong desire for them to succeed," said Cunningham, who's been at Durham College for 23 years.
The interaction with students is the favourite part of Cunningham's job and he notes students today are very much like those he encountered in the beginning of this career, although academic skills have definitely changed with the times. He believes a large part of this is due to the increased use of technology, such as instant messaging programs that have resulted in the creation of a computer language that he said often appears in assignments, for example, b/c for the word because.
When the award was formally announced at Durham College on August 28 at the Vice-President Academic kickoff for faculty and staff, Cunningham delivered a heartfelt speech that included a story about a particular student who thought a lab assignment would be too great a challenge since her partner wasn't present. She requested to join another group, but Cunningham refused, and for good reason. The student finished the assignment correctly and realized she had the skills to complete it by herself. Upon this realization, Cunningham invited the student to partake in a celebratory dance around the classroom.
"I love to see my students succeed," said Cunningham, who demonstrated he's always up for a celebratory dance when he followed his VPA speech with an impromptu twirl with Durham College President Leah Myers. "My whole focus has always been my students. It's great to see a student realize they can do something they thought they couldn't."
Cunningham said he has enjoyed his time with the college, and that working at the Whitby campus has been a great experience, thanks to its small, personal environment.
There were five other Durham College LIFT nominees, Carolyn Rekar-Munroe, a professor with the schools of Business and Information Technology; and Rick Tidman, a professor; Dave Schuett, program manager, Electrical and Electronics; Tony van Schyndel, a professor; and Dave Dewar, a professor, all with the School of Applied Sciences, Apprenticeship, Skilled Trades and Technology.