Gibb Teaching award recipients announced

Dr. Trudy Aucoin is the recipient of the 2019 Gibb Clinical Teaching Award. Dr. Bernie Linke is the recipient of the 2019 Gibb Teaching Scholar Award.

Congratulations to Dr. Bernie Linke and Dr. Trudy Aucoin!

Bernie Linke is the 2019 recipient of the Gibb Teaching Scholar Award and Trudy Aucoin is the recipient of the 2019 Gibb Clinical Teaching Award - the highest internal teaching awards in the School of Dentistry.

"Being recognized by my peers is humbling," says Linke, adding the main reason he came to the university from private practice, was to teach and pass on his skills. "This award is a restorative team award because in many ways it's your whole group that makes you successful."

Aucoin shares the same sentiments as Linke saying teamwork is what makes all clinical professors successful.

"It is an honour to be nominated and recognized for something that you are passionate about and love to do," says Aucoin. "It is a privilege for me to teach at the School of Dentistry. The success of our clinic is a result of the amazing team that I have the pleasure to work with."

For both the role the school plays in building a community and mentoring is key to success as well.

"I have had excellent mentoring and support as I developed my skills as a clinical instructor," says Aucoin. "I appreciate all the work that has gone into the nomination and selection process. Thank you for making me smile!"

Linke says his main motivation comes from seeing the school continually try to get better in all areas - whether its teaching, the clinic or improving the student experience.

"This commitment as a school keeps you coming back and this started at the top with Dr. Major and now permeates down to the rest of us," he says. "Students in the end benefit from everyone's diligence."