In a dazzling and star-studded evening, the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Pretoria celebrated the extraordinary accomplishments of its lecturers at the prestigious Teaching and Learning Awards 2023 on 26 October 2023. The event, held under the theme "Oscar Night," recognised and honoured the remarkable contributions of faculty members to teaching and learning, as well as their unwavering commitment to community engagement.

The distinguished guests, faculty members and awardees gathered at this gala event, graced by the presence of Professor Tiaan de Jager, the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences. In his opening remarks, Prof de Jager emphasised the significance of the event, stating, "We are here to acknowledge the countless innovative ways in which we educate and train, and we celebrate those achievements tonight."

He continued, "In our journey as a dynamic faculty, it's important to remind ourselves that we should take the time to dress up and revel in our accomplishments, especially in the realm of academics." Prof de Jager praised the faculty's proud legacy of producing graduates who make significant impacts in their respective fields, emphasising that their reputation is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the faculty members.

The evening was not just a celebration of academic achievements but a glamorous extravaganza. Prof de Jager described the faculty's lecturers as stars in their own right, deserving of recognition for their invaluable contributions. He noted, "The Faculty of Health Sciences Teaching and Learning Award 2023 is a celebration where excellence meets glamour."

The event also highlighted the faculty's commitment to community engagement, acknowledging those who extend their reach beyond the classroom to make a positive impact on society. Prof de Jager emphasised that education is about empowering individuals to effect positive change in the world and quoted William Butler Yeats, saying, "Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire."

Prof Vanessa Steenkamp, the Deputy Dean of Teaching and Learning, emphasised the significance of such ceremonies, stating that they set high standards for the institution and inspire faculty members and students to strive for excellence. She highlighted the importance of recognising exceptional teaching and learning practices and fostering a culture of appreciation.

The Faculty of Health Sciences Teaching and Learning Awards 2023 symbolises a commitment to excellence, recognition, and community engagement. It honours the dedication of lecturers shaping the future of students and underscores the importance of education not just as knowledge transfer but as a means of instilling values and a sense of responsibility to the community.

In the Emerging Teachers' Award category, the winners are:

Winner in the Emerging catergory - Dr Heleen Roos

Second place winner - Dr Liesel Bosenberg

Third place winner - Dr Christa Ellis

This award recognises good and innovative teaching, facilitation of learning, and sound assessment practices in lecturers with less than five years of teaching experience.

In the Established Teachers' Award category, the winners are:

Winner in the Established Teachers' Award category - Ms Helga Lister

Second place winner in the Established Teachers' Award category - Dr Zarah Yakoob

Third place winner in the Established Teachers' Award category - Prof Llewellyn Padayachy

This category recognises and rewards sustained good and innovative teaching, facilitation of learning, and sound assessment practices.

In the Exceptional Teachers' Award category, the winners are:

Winner in the Exceptional Teachers' Award category- Prof Werner Cordier

Second place winner in the Exceptional Teachers' Award category - Prof Kim Outhoff

Third place winner in the Exceptional Teachers' Award category- Dr Mia-Michaela Beetge

This award recognises lecturers who have dedicated over ten years to teaching and learning and have made significant contributions to the field.

The winner of the Community Engagement Award is the Department of Community Dentistry.

The Community Engagement Award recognises the winner for their contribution to capacitating the community and uplifting both students and the broader community.

The Faculty of Health Sciences Teaching and Learning Awards 2023 symbolises a commitment to excellence, recognition, and community engagement. It honours the dedication of lecturers shaping the future of students and using innovation and underscores the importance of education, not just as knowledge transfer, but as a means of instilling values and a sense of responsibility to the community.

The winner of the Community Engagement award will proceed to contend in university-wide Teacher's Awards, representing the pinnacle of teaching and learning excellence at the University of Pretoria.