February 7, 2008
For Immediate Release

Ten Of Canada’s Top Educators Receive 3M Teaching Award

LONDON, ON – To celebrate and reward excellence in teaching and educational leadership at the post-secondary level, 3M Canada, in partnership with the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE), today announced 2008’s 10 recipients of the 3M National Teaching Fellowship.

“The quality and number of submissions are increasing,” said Dr. Arshad Ahmad, Program Coordinator, 3M National Teaching Fellowships. “Since most dossiers fulfill all of the stated criteria, we consider how these educators extend their reach and impact beyond their discipline, beyond their institutions.”

The annual award, the only one of its kind in Canada, is given to individuals who demonstrate an exceptionally high degree of leadership and commitment to the improvement of university teaching across the country. Currently, 228 3M National Teaching Fellows represent a broad range of academic disciplines from 43 Canadian universities.

“Our longstanding commitment to the program directly reflects the importance these awards have on teachers as well as universities,” said Sue Romyn, Community Relations Manager, 3M Canada. “These are elite, exceptional individuals who deserve to be recognized for their outstanding contributions to education.”

This year, STLHE received 52 nominations from 33 universities and invested numerous man hours into each application.

Recipients of the 2008 fellowships are:

• Mazorgata Dubiel Simon Fraser University
• Katherine Frego University of New Brunswick (Saint John)
• Sorel Friedman Université de Montréal
• Robert Lapp Mount Allison University
• TA Loeffler Memorial University
• Peter Mahaffy King’s University College
• Daniel Pratt University of British Columbia
• Patangi Rangachari McMaster University
• Mercedes Rowinsky-Geurts Wilfrid Laurier University
• James Silcox University of Western Ontario

The award includes a citation and an invitation to participate in a three-day retreat to share past teaching experiences and discuss new ideas. 3M Canada and STLHE created the 3M National Teaching Fellowships in 1986. Up to 10 fellowships are awarded each year.

About the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
The Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE) is a national association of academics and teaching and learning resource professionals from institutions of post-secondary education across Canada.

About 3M Canada Company
Established in 1951, 3M Canada Company was one of the first international subsidiaries opened by 3M and remains one of the largest. 3M Canada's head office and original manufacturing site is in London, Ontario where approximately 1,000 of the company's 1,950 employees work. Other Ontario plants are located in Toronto, Brockville, and Perth with one in Morden, Manitoba. Sales offices are located in major cities nationwide and a national service network supports customers.

For more information:
Dr. Arshad Ahmad
Program Coordinator
3M National Teaching Fellowships
Concordia University
514-848-2424 ext. 2928
arshad@jmsb.concordia.ca

Sarah Tattersall
Corporate Communications Manager
3M Canada
519-452-6035
setattersall@mmm.com

3M is a trademark of 3M. Used under license in Canada.