Igor Ivkovic, recipient of the Distinguished Teacher Award, 2021
Igor Ivkovic, Systems Design Engineering
Igor Ivkovic was a Lecturer and the Associate Chair of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Systems Design Engineering. He was greatly admired by students and colleagues for his consistent enthusiasm and genuine passion for teaching. Igor’s lasting impact on his students has been profound; he tirelessly created the best learning environment and experience for all his learners. In nominating Igor for this award, students highlight his “Igor CARES™ approach,” which outlined his goals and commitment as a course instructor and mentor: Clear and interactive lectures, Approachable and helpful, Resources and materials for studying and practice, Engaging application of theory in practical scenarios, and Student success inside and outside the classroom. Ivkovic had a strong history of excellent teaching at the University of Waterloo. As one student notes, “Dr. Ivkovic’s kindness and passion for teaching remains unmatched. This was very evident during the sudden transition from in-person to online teaching.” Students agree that Igor’s boundless positivity and passion for teaching was always evident, whether it was greeting every student by name, always making himself available for his students, or emailing first year students to help with their transition to university. Igor’s empathy was at the forefront of his teaching.
