Congratulations to the OCAD U 2022-23 Teaching Award Recipients

Left to right: Heather Frise, Julia Rose Sutherland and Marie-Hélène He are recipients of teaching awards in their respective faculties. 

On August 22, 2023, Dr. Caroline Langill, Vice-President, Academic and Provost announced the recipients of the 2022-23 Teaching Awards.

These awards recognize outstanding faculty, instructors and teaching assistants who employ diverse, inclusive, and evidence-informed teaching methods that provide exceptional learning experiences for students and the OCAD U community.

“I’m very pleased to announce the recipients of the 2022-23 Teaching Awards,” said Dr. Langill. “Please join me in congratulating these members of our community for their significant contributions over the past year!”

Left to right: Catherine Black and Dr. Pam Patterson.

Price Award for Leadership in Teaching: Catherine Black 
Associate Professor, Faculty of Arts & Science 

Catherine Black was instrumental in the development of both the Creative Writing minor and the BFA Creative Writing program at OCAD U, and she currently serves as Program Chair. During the past several years, she has managed all curricular and administrative aspects of the program, including the development of new curriculum and the production of the program’s literary journal Pulse. Catherine believes in the importance of introducing students to a diverse world of creativity: “My mission at OCAD U is to support our diverse range of student writers as they develop meaningful writing practices and become agents of change in their communities.” Her students highly value her pedagogy for its holistic approaches.

Non-Tenured Award for Leadership in Teaching: Dr. Pam Patterson
Assistant Professor, Faculty of Art

Dr. Pam Patterson has been described as a thoughtful and intuitive educator who encourages her students by sharing her lived experience of disability and celebrating it through the arts. In her time at OCAD U, Pam has undertaken extensive committee and student project/mentoring work. Her symposia, panels and publications have all been done in the spirit of supporting a safe and inclusive learning and teaching environment. She is committed to decolonizing methodologies in research, pedagogy and community relationships.

Faculty of Art Teaching Award: Heather Frise
Instructor, Faculty of Art

Heather Frise is a visual artist, activist and educator who teaches drawing and time-based media at OCAD U. Her work explores ecological imaginaries through drawing, painting, film, video, animation and sound. Her goal as an educator is “to foster experimentation and creative risk-taking across a range of disciplines.” She values each student’s diverse experiences, backgrounds and perspectives, and strives to create a space where all voices are heard and respected. She aspires to create a vibrant learning community where students feel empowered to express themselves authentically.

Faculty of Design Teaching Award: Julia Rose Sutherland
Assistant Professor, Faculty of Design

Since joining OCAD U, Julia Rose Sutherland has made significant contributions to the University community. These include extensive preparation for implementing the Flow curricular initiative in the Material Art & Design (MAAD) program. Julia’s membership on governing bodies, such as the Indigenous Education Council, Senate Academic Standards Committee and MAAD Curriculum Committee, has had significant impact on the University and its curriculum. Julia prioritizes creating an inclusive and accessible learning environment in the classroom and is dedicated to understanding and accommodating the unique learning styles and challenges faced by students. They have also collaborated with the Sustainability Committee and Associate Professor Dr. Ian Clarke to utilize his self-sustaining greenhouse project.

Faculty of Arts & Science Teaching Award: Marie-Hélène He
Lecturer, Faculty of Arts & Science

Since joining the University, Marie-Hélène He has strived to foster a student-centered learning environment, promoting inclusivity and a relaxed yet focused atmosphere in the classroom. Marie-Hélène has established sustainable and reciprocal relationships with the Anatomy Department at the University of Toronto. Combined with the dedicated efforts of our Faculty of Arts and Science, she has fostered community partnerships and collaborations that extend beyond our University. As an empathetic listener, Marie-Hélène continuously adapts her lessons based on student feedback and their ambition-driven learning objectives.

Left to right: Bryn Ludlow, Zishuo Li and Otino Corsano.

School of Graduate Studies Teaching Award: Bryn Ludlow
Instructor, School of Graduate Studies

Bryn Ludlow currently teaches in the Design for Health and Inclusive Design MDes programs at OCAD U. She brings a strong research profile, publications, exhibitions, and a successful design-oriented teaching track record at universities across the GTA. She also has an active and ongoing artistic practice. Her students in the Design for Health graduate program praise her exceptional commitment and profound impact on their learning experience.

Teaching Assistant Award: Zishuo Li
Teaching Assistant, Faculty of Art

Zishuo Li has served as a teaching assistant, guest speaker and workshop leader for various contemporary painting and cross-disciplinary art classes at OCAD U. As an educator, she is dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive learning environment that fosters open communication and active engagement. She is valued by her teaching team for her high energy and commitment to student development.

School of Continuing Studies Teaching Award: Otino Corsano
Instructor, School of Continuing Studies

Otino Corsano has taught at OCAD U for two decades, first in the Faculty of Design, then he moved to the School of Continuing Studies. There, Otino leads the development, design and delivery of Adobe Creative Cloud courses. As a professional artist, Otino has exhibited extensively in Toronto and abroad. He established Ocean Course Films as a contemporary art entity producing his collaborative work alongside commercial directors, actors, choreographers, contemporary dancers, sound engineers, editors, and composers.