Published by Communications and Public Affairs (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338
News Release
August 24, 1999
U of G prof named 1999 3M teaching fellow
University of Guelph Prof. Ronald Stoltz, School of Landscape Architecture, has received a prestigious 3M Teaching Fellowship for outstanding teaching and educational leadership.
The award recognizes scholars who excel in teaching, leadership and the development of academic programs. It is sponsored by 3M Canada and the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education.
Stoltz said he is "flabbergasted" by the award. "It makes me feel really good as a university instructor that one's teaching is recognized."
He is one of 10 professors receiving fellowships this year, chosen from a field of 43 nominations from 24 Canadian universities. In total, 140 educators from 35 universities have been recognized by this award since its inception in 1986. 3M Teaching Fellowships include a citation and an invitation to participate in a three-day retreat in Quebec, where winners share teaching experiences and discuss new ideas.
"This is a wonderful and well-deserved recognition for Professor Stoltz," said President Mordechai Rozanski. "During his exemplary career, he has always pursued excellence through his teaching and educational leadership. The University of Guelph community is delighted that he has received this prestigious honour."
Stoltz was recognized for developing innovative approaches and a range of techniques for teaching landscape architectural design and engineering. He has also been involved in curriculum and instructional development, and some of his designs are used in professional programs at other universities. In addition, he played a significant role in developing materials to include teaching evaluation in the University's promotion, merit and tenure process.
Stoltz joined U of G in 1975. He was director of Teaching Support Services from 1992-1997 and also served as acting director of the Centre for International Programs. During both appointments, he continued teaching at least half time in the School of Landscape Architecture. "I have a very strong belief in ‘active learning' and I work hard to engage students in their education through experimental learning opportunities," he said. His innovative approaches to teaching landscape architectural design and engineering include active demonstrations, role-playing and lively classroom and studio dialogue, or, as he puts it, "getting up and moving around among the students."
"I enjoy getting my students to express their ideas," he said.
Stoltz is the ninth U of G faculty member to receive this prestigious award.
Contact: Prof. Ron Stoltz, School of Landscape Architecture (519) 824-4120, Ext. 3008 rstoltz@uoguelph.ca
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