The University of Windsor Alumni Association is bestowing its Alumni Award for Distinguished Contributions to University Teaching on four professors during Spring Convocation ceremonies.
The award honours faculty members — nominated by colleagues, alumni, and students — as an incentive and encouragement for achieving excellence in teaching and learning at the University of Windsor.
This year's recipients are Windsor Law Professor Jasminka Kalajdzic, Kinesiology Professor Victoria Paraschak, Faculty of Science Biologist Dora Cavallo-Medved, and School of Creative Arts Professor Sigi Torinus.
Professor Jasminka Kalajdzic is recognized as a scholar and expert in class actions in Canada. Professor Kalajdzic has put University of Windsor students at the forefront of her work. In 2019, she established Canada’s first Class Action Clinic located in Windsor Hall. The clinic relies primarily on students to provide advice about specific lawsuits and class actions to the public.
Kalajdzic demonstrates a passion for teaching and mentoring students in many ways. She regularly coaches students in the annual moot competitions against other Canadian law school teams. She also developed a cross-jurisdictional course on comparative class actions which allowed students to collaborate across several countries through technology.
Most important, Professor Kalajdzic’s teaching philosophy mirrors her impact on Law students. “I believe people are their best when they know they are valued,” she says. “Ultimately, I hope to teach students about the importance of caring about their clients.”
Professor Kalajdzic will be recognized during the Faculty of Law Spring Convocation Ceremony on June 16 at 4 p.m.
All sessions are available for viewing through the Convocation website.