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Mohawk College Professor Peter Olynyk

Mohawk College Professor Peter Olynyk has been recognized by the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC) at its annual conference in Penticton, B.C.

Peter received the Bronze medal for Teaching Excellence at the awards, which celebrate the extraordinary contributions of faculty and staff to their colleges and highlight the role colleges play in the social, cultural and economic development of the communities they serve.

Peter teaches Civil and Structural Engineering courses to upwards of 400 students per year in Mohawk’s School of Engineering Technology. From the beginning of his teaching career Peter has made student success a personal mission, getting to know each of his students and providing personal advice and guidance that has helped launch many successful careers.

One of the best examples of his commitment is the work he does outside of the classroom. Peter founded Mohawk's hugely popular Popsicle Stick Bridge Building Competition, which held its 26th competition this April, and he's a long-time volunteer with the Bay Area Science and Engineering Fair, one of the oldest and largest fairs in the country. He also organized Mohawk's first Meet the Grad & Employer nights as a way to bring students and potential employers together.

"Peter knows what it means to be a teacher," said Mohawk College President Rob MacIsaac. "He always puts students first, and they can count on him to provide advice and guidance on everything from math problems to career advice. He's made a significant and lasting impact on the lives and careers of hundreds of Mohawk graduates now working in the field, each one with a story on how Peter helped get them there."

This is the second year in a row that a Mohawk College professor has been recognized by the ACCC. In 2012, Mohawk College Creative Advertising Professor Jef Petrossi also won a Bronze medal in the same category.

ACCC is the national organization that represents colleges and institutes at the national and international level. For more information visit http://www.accc.ca.