Back row from left: Mark Hall, Norm Sexsmith
Front row from left: Sandy Diediw, Sandra Freeman, Jamie Maschmeyer, Lu-Anne McFarlane and Debra Martin (photo supplied)
Humble, inspiring and extremely organized. That is what Lu-Anne McFarlane, Associate Professor and Associate Chair, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, is, according to Geoff Bostick and Teresa Paslawski.
Now, thanks to their nomination, "recipient of the University of Alberta Award for Excellence in Graduate Teaching" can also be added to that list.
"It is a career highlight. I was absolutely overwhelmed," said McFarlane, who formally received her award last month at the University of Alberta's Teaching Excellence Awards reception.
The Award for Excellence in Graduate Teaching was instituted at the U of A in 2011. It recognizes excellence in teaching and its purpose is to continue to encourage the pursuit of such excellence, and to promote informed discussion of graduate teaching and its improvement.
McFarlane, who has called the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine home for almost 25 years, has seen many students graduate and move into rewarding careers. However, her influence and presence in their life after graduation doesn't end after they walk across the stage.
"She has impacted how they approach their work after graduation," Bostick, a professor in the Department of Physical Therapy, said, adding that McFarlane's inspiring personality often leads students to re-evaluate the way they think about and approach learning.
The kind of special relationship McFarlane has with her students is also evident in her teaching philosophy, which was part of the nomination package.
McFarlane is a strong advocate for two-way learning, and says that giving students the opportunity to make meaning for themselves is her duty as an educator.
"She's so focused on the best interest of students," said Paslawski, an associate professor who teaches in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders.
McFarlane's goal is to have students graduate as problem solvers and contributors to the profession.
"Representing the U of A in the community is also important," she said.
McFarlane's humble nature was evident when she recalled her surprise at winning the award. However Bostick and Paslawski said she is more than deserving.
"She's a leader, inspiring and someone to look up to. It was not hard to find people who wanted to support her," Paslawski said of asking for nomination letters from other faculty members.
Though McFarlane suggested she is nearing the end of her career, she shows no immediate signs of slowing down. This fall she will teach a course on phonological disorder, and she currently serves as chair of the Curriculum Committee for the department.
"I feel so lucky to have the support of my co-workers. The Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine is a really great place to work," she smiled.