Music professor, Arts and Science students win USSU awards
Each year, the University of Saskatchewan Students' Union recognizes inspiring teachers and students who have improved their community
A College of Arts and Science music education professor and several University of Saskatchewan students are among the winners of 2019-20 University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union (USSU) Experience in Excellence Awards.
Dr. Jennifer Lang (PhD), an assistant professor in the Department of Music and director of choral activities at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), is the winner of a USSU Teaching Excellence Award. Lang conducts the Greystone Singers, teaches numerous music courses and is the organizer of her department’s Music Education in Action series.
The USSU Teaching Excellence Awards are chosen by students to recognize USask instructors who have “demonstrated enthusiasm, organization and fairness in evaluation, providing exceptional commitment and support to their classrooms.”
The USSU—the body representing all USask undergraduate students—also gives out annual Experience in Excellence awards honouring individuals who have supported students or enhanced their community.
College of Arts and Science student Tasnim Jaisee is the recipient of the USSU’s 2019-20 Walter Murray Leadership Award, which recognizes a student “who has provided leadership beyond the call of duty in enhancing the student experience at the University of Saskatchewan.” Jaisee, a student of political studies and women’s and gender studies, is the outgoing president of the Arts and Science Students Union (ASSU).
As an ASSU executive member, Jaisee has been a social justice advocate and has led academic support initiatives for students. She has volunteered with several other groups on campus and delivered a TEDxUSask talk in September 2019 about overcoming adversities related to her physical disability.
College of Arts and Science students Madi Kuhn and Sarah Foley were also recognized by the USSU. Kuhn and Foley are two of this year’s winners of the Vera Pezer Award for Student Enhancement, which honours student volunteers.
In early March, the USSU cancelled its scheduled events in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In a Facebook post announcing the award recipients, the organization wrote that it plans to celebrate the winners at a future date.