Distinguished Teacher Award

Alfred Menezes was announced as a recipient of the Distinguished Teacher Award. Alfred Menezes is an instructor in cryptography, coding theory and introductory combinatorics and algebra. In addition to teaching undergraduate and graduate students, Alfred is an active graduate supervisor with more than 25 successful supervisions at Waterloo. In 2010, he was awarded the Faculty of Mathematics’s Award for Distinction in Teaching for his contributions to the faculty since he was hired in 1998.

Students compliment Alfred on his exceptional teaching, stating “Alfred was clear, clever, and concise; an excellent combination for effective teaching”. One student wrote that he was amazed at how Alfred returned midterm tests personally without calling out their names. By memorizing the names and faces of his students using Watcard photographs, Alfred shows his dedication towards understanding his students. He maintains a well-organized website where he posts lecture summaries, assignments, and solutions in a timely manner.

Alfred’s devotion to teaching excellence and student success displays his dedication to his profession. One nominator summarized the students’ view of Alfred as a teacher. “Based on the applause at the end of the final day of lectures, I think that others share my high opinion of Menezes”.