Dr. Brendan Riggin, who joined the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies (RLS) in May 2022 as a definite-term lecturer, is the 2023 Faculty of Health Teaching Award recipient. He received multiple Teaching Award nominations for his high-quality teaching and ability to engage students across all programs in RLS. Students praised his ability to draw on real-world examples, helping students “connect theory to reality.”
Riggin’s students commended him for his approachability, kind nature and exceptional ability to relate with students, his support for their learning, and for helping them build their networks, setting them up for employment success.
Several students reflected on how Riggin’s passions for quantitative research, event studies and positive youth development were contagious. Specifically, Riggin’s enthusiasm for these areas of scholarly inquiry fuelled a passion in many of his students, reflected in their professional pursuits. For example, one student said, “Brendan has opened my eyes to a career path that I had not considered before entering his class,” while another said, “I am now definitely interested in the events minor as a part of my Waterloo journey.”
Congratulations to Brendan Riggin for his impact and lasting influence on student learning.