Conestoga has recognized Carlo Sgro from the college’s School of Applied Computer Science & Information Technology for his leadership and commitment to teaching excellence with the Aubrey Hagar Distinguished Teaching Award.
The award recognizes a faculty member who has made an outstanding contribution to or has taken a leadership role in the teaching and learning process at Conestoga.
Sgro began his career at the college in the mid-1990s, teaching Introductory Programming through Continuing Education. He was appointed as a full-time professor in 2000 and has been both instructor and coordinator in the Software Engineering Technology (SET) program since its establishment in 2001.
Colleagues and students alike regard Sgro as an exemplary educator who consistently demonstrates an outstanding commitment to quality programming as well as student success and well-being. His innovative teaching methods and proactive communications style engage students in active learning throughout their studies.
Described as the ultimate team player, Sgro plays an active role in supporting the smooth functioning of the SET faculty team and engaging with service and support areas across the college to provide students with a positive and rewarding learning experience, laying a foundation for student success. He serves as an outstanding ambassador for the program and Conestoga, actively engaged with industry partners as well as both current and prospective students.
Sgro will be presented the award at the college’s 51st Fall Convocation ceremony at the end of October, joining an esteemed group built over a thirty-year tradition of recognizing and celebrating outstanding contribution to teaching excellence at Conestoga.
Established in 1988, the Aubrey Hagar Distinguished Teaching Award is named in honour of respected teacher, mentor and innovator, Aubrey Hagar, who fostered the pursuit of excellence in teaching and learning. He sat on the college’s first Board of Governors in 1967 and remained a distinguished member of the Conestoga community through his time as faculty and as a senior academic officer.
Hagar played a key role in the development of programs in Conestoga’s early days, establishing innovative approaches to ensure curriculum remained current and provided students with the skills and knowledge employers required. He mentored instructors -- practitioners in their fields -- to develop their teaching skills so that real-world experience could be effectively translated to the classroom. He also championed student success, understanding that a college’s job is to prepare students for successful careers.
Nominated by their students and peers, candidates are evaluated by a committee comprised of full-time faculty members based on a number of criteria, including learning design, innovation, and concern and sensitivity towards students. The Aubrey Hagar Distinguished Teaching Award is the college’s top honour for a faculty member and includes an inscribed and framed College Coat of Arms, a specially designed gold liripipe, and a professional development bursary.