Robson Hall Awards:
The Barney Sneiderman Award for Teaching Excellence
The Barney Sneiderman Award for Teaching Excellence, named in memory of a much loved teacher of law at Robson Hall, recognizes one person each year for excellence in teaching practice. The award was created and the fund started by Barney Sneiderman’s friends and family. Through the generosity of retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, Marshall Rothstein, and his commitment to excellence in teaching, the award was granted for the first time in honour of the law school's centennial year, 2014.
Past Award Recipients:
2020 – Professor Amar Khoday
2019 – Professor Jennifer L. Schulz
2018 – Professor Karen Busby
2017 – Professor Virginia Torrie
2016 – Professor Gerald Heckman
2015 – Professor Bryan Schwartz, and Sessional Instructor Eleanor Wiebe
Remembering Barney
The Faculty of Law places great value on excellence in teaching. Many students and alumni recall, vividly and fondly, instructors of the past and present. This award is an important opportunity for members of the Faculty’s community to publicly support and recognize our excellent teachers. The award honours Barney Sneiderman who was a beloved teacher from 1969-2006. Barney was eternally curious, confidently irreverent, and passionately interested in connecting with people from all walks of life. He was a devoted educator, in the classroom and beyond, through his writing (of academic texts and op-eds) and his speaking (on the radio and at conferences). He was a devoted husband and father to his wife Carla and his three children Liora, Miriam and Robby as well as an ardent educator. He also strived for excellence in all he did and would be delighted to know that an award to recognize excellence in teaching was created in his name to foster the dedicated teachers who have followed his example with a love of learning.
The Barney Sneiderman Award for Teaching Excellence serves to recognize and celebrate a faculty member’s contributions to teaching at the Faculty of Law.
The Faculty of Law places great value on excellence in teaching. Many students and alumni recall, vividly and fondly, instructors of the past and present. This award is an important opportunity for members of the Faculty’s community to publicly support and recognize our excellent teachers. The award honours Barney Sneiderman who was a beloved teacher from 1969 – 2006. Barney was eternally curious, confidently irreverent, and passionately interested in connecting with people from all walks of life. He was a devoted educator, in the classroom and beyond, through his writing (of academic texts and op-eds) and his speaking (on the radio and at conferences). He was a devoted husband and father to his wife Carla and his three children Liora, Miriam and Robby as well as an ardent educator. He also strived for excellence in all he did and would be delighted to know that an award to recognize excellence in teaching was created in his name to foster the dedicated teachers who have followed his example with a love of learning.
The Barney Sneiderman Award for Teaching Excellence will be made in the spring of each year if a suitable candidate is nominated. The recipient will receive a monetary award, made possible through donations by the friends and family of Barney Sneiderman in his memory, and through the generosity of the Hon. Mr. Justice Marshall Rothstein.
Activities that may be recognized can include (but are not limited to):
- classroom instruction (ie clarity in instruction, student participation/engagement, responsiveness to students, provision of useful feedback, building of bridges from existing to new knowledge)
- innovative teaching methods
- development of instructional materials
- supervision of students in research
- coaching of students in competitions
- contributions to student development outside the classroom
- curriculum development
Eligibility
Individual teachers (faculty members and sessional instructors) in the Faculty are eligible. An individual will not be eligible to receive the award if s/he has received it within the previous four years.
An individual who has previously received The Barney Sneiderman Award for Teaching Excellence will be eligible based on teaching since receiving the award previously.
Nominators
Members of the Faculty of Law community (Faculty, Staff, Students, Alumni) may make nominations.
Process
- Nomination forms are available through the office of the Dean.
- Nomination forms should be accompanied by supporting letters from the nominator and two other members of the Faculty of Law community as described above. These letters should outline how the nominee has demonstrated excellence in teaching and must be signed. Nominations are submitted to the Office of the Dean.
- The deadline for receipt of complete nominations is March 15 of each year.
- Following the nomination deadline, the Dean’s Office will contact nominees for confirmation that they wish their names to stand. Nominees will then be asked to provide a copy of his/her teaching dossier or relevant CV.
NOTE: All nomination papers, letters of support, and curriculum vitae will remain confidential. - The Selection Committee will be composed of two faculty members (on alphabetical rotation), one student (named by the MLSA), one alumnus/a (selected by the Dean), and the Associate Dean (JD Program).
- The Selection Committee will review the nominations and determine which candidate to recommend for the award and prepare the citation for the award recipient. The Dean will communicate with the successful candidate.
The Dean’s Award for Teaching Excellence for Sessional Instructors (Practicing Professionals)
This award serves to recognize and celebrate a Sessional Instructor’s contributions to teaching at the Faculty of Law.
The Faculty of Law is most thankful to dedicated members of the Manitoba legal community who take time out of their busy professional practicing lives to help educate and prepare the next generations of lawyers and legal professionals. This award is an important opportunity for members of the Robson Hall Faculty of Law community to publicly support and recognize our excellent teachers.
Past Dean's Award Recipients
2020 – Natasha Brown
2019 – Greg Evans
2018 – Michael Walker
2017 – Dan Torbiak
2016 – John Neufeld
The Dean’s Award for Teaching Excellence for Sessional Instructors (Practicing Professionals) will be made in the spring of each year if a suitable candidate is nominated. The recipient will receive a monetary award.
Activities that may be recognized by this award can include (but are not limited to):
- Professional commitment beyond the call of duty to the student experience (classroom instruction, clarity in instruction, student participation/engagement, responsiveness to students, provision of useful feedback, building of bridges from existing to new knowledge)
- innovative teaching methods
- development of instructional materials
- coaching of students in competitions
- contributions to student development outside the classroom
Eligibility
Sessional Instructors (Practicing Professionals) in the Faculty of Law are eligible. An individual will not be eligible to receive the award if s/he has received it within the previous four years.
An individual who has previously received The Dean’s Award for Teaching Excellence for Sessional Instructors (Practicing Professionals) will be eligible based on teaching since receiving the award previously.
Nominators
Members of the Faculty of Law community (Faculty, Staff, Students, Alumni) may make nominations.
Process
- Nomination forms are available through the office of the Dean.
- Nomination forms should be accompanied by supporting letters from the nominator and two other members of the Faculty of Law community as described above. These letters should outline how the nominee has demonstrated excellence in teaching and must be signed. Nominations are submitted to the Office of the Dean.
- The deadline for receipt of complete nominations is March 15 of each year.
- Following the nomination deadline, the Dean’s Office will contact nominees for confirmation that they wish their names to stand. Nominees will then be asked to provide a copy of his/her teaching dossier or relevant CV.
NOTE: All nomination papers, letters of support, and curriculum vitae will remain confidential. - The Selection Committee will be composed of two faculty members (on alphabetical rotation), one student (named by the MLSA), one alumnus/a (selected by the Dean), and the Associate Dean (JD Program).
- The Selection Committee will review the nominations and determine which candidate to recommend for the award and prepare the citation for the award recipient. The Dean will communicate with the successful candidate.
University of Manitoba Awards:
Olive Beatrice Stanton Award for Excellence in Teaching
First offered in 1968, the Olive Beatrice Stanton Award for Excellence in Teaching is presented annually at May convocation. This award recognizes an outstanding University of Manitoba educator who has demonstrated continuing teaching excellence and who made contributions to advancing teaching and learning at the University of Manitoba.
2016 – Professor Gerald Heckman
1996 – Professor Lee Stuesser
1994 – Professor Cliff Edwards
1974 – Professor Jack R. London
1972 – Professor Gerald Nemiroff
Dr. and Mrs. H. H. Saunderson Award for Excellence in Teaching
First offered in 1971, the Dr. and Mrs. H. H. Saunderson Award for Excellence in Teaching is presented annually at May convocation to an outstanding teacher. This award recognizes an outstanding University of Manitoba educator who has demonstrated continuing teaching excellence and who made contributions to advancing teaching and learning at both the U of M and at the national or international level.
2015 – Professor Karen Busby
1979 – Professor Phillip H. Osborne
1977 – Professor C. Gordon Dilts
Students’ Teacher Recognition Award (CATL)
This award gives outstanding graduating students the opportunity to honour those teachers who have made important contributions to their education. Recognizing that academic growth and development occurs over many years, the outstanding student is asked to recognize two teachers; one from Kindergarten to Grade 12 years and one from their years at The University of Manitoba. Each student speaks about the impact their honoured teachers have made on their lives.
2019 – Professor Lorna Turnbull
2018 – Professor Richard Jochelson
2017 – Professor Jennifer L. Schulz
2016 – Professor Mary Shariff
2015 – Professor Jennifer L. Schulz
2014 – Professor Phillip H. Osborne
2013 – Professor Evaristus Oshionebo
2012 – Professor Darcy MacPherson
2011 – Professor David Deutscher
2010 – Professor Gerald Heckman
University of Manitoba Annual Outreach Award
Each year, the University of Manitoba honours both support and academic staff who have been active in outreach activities, particularly during the previous year, through presentation of sterling silver pins bearing the outreach logo. An annual reception is held in late fall to recognize the winners.
2014/2015 – Professor Brenda Gunn
2010/2011 – Professor Darcy MacPherson
2009/2010 – Professor Karen Busby
2004/2005 – Professor Debra Parkes
1994/1995 – Professor Karen Busby
1993/1994 – Professor Barney Sneiderman
1990/1991 – Professor Bryan Schwartz
1979/1980 – Professor E. A. Braid
University of Manitoba Rh Award
2017 – Professor Mary Shariff
2015 – Professor Donn Short (Social Sciences)
1992 – Professor Wesley Pue
1988 – Professor Bryan Schwartz
1981 – Professor Alvin Esau
1975 – Professor Dale Gibson
1973 – Professor John Sharp
University of Manitoba Merit Awards
2018 – Professor Virginia Torrie
2017 – Professor Virginia Torrie
2017 – Professor Bruce Curran
2017 – Professor Donn Short
2016 – Professor Shauna Labman
2015 – Professor Brenda Gunn
2014 – Professor Donn Short
2013 – Professor Donn Short
Manitoba Bar Association Awards:
Isabel Ross MacLean Hunt Award (MBA)
The Isabel Ross MacLean Hunt Award celebrates a Manitoba CBA member whose contributions as a role model for women lawyers deserves special recognition. It is one of eight MBA Recognition Awards, honouring colleagues who demonstrate excellence and commitment to the law, the legal profession and the community at large.
2014 – Professor Lorna Turnbull
Access to Justice Award (MBA)
The Access to Justice Award recognizes an MBA member for outstanding pro bono legal services or outstanding contributions on the issue of access to justice. It is one of eight MBA Recognition Awards, honouring colleagues who demonstrate excellence and commitment to the law, the legal profession and the community at large.
2015 – Instructor Sarah Lugtig
Community Involvement Award (MBA)
The Community Involvement Award recognizes a Manitoba CBA member who has enhanced the image of the Association, the legal profession and/or the justice system through involvement in non-legal public service in the preceding year. It is one of eight MBA Recognition Awards, honouring colleagues who demonstrate excellence and commitment to the law, the legal profession and the community at large.
2014 – Sessional Instructor K. Eleanor Wiebe, Q.C.
Council Member Award (MBA)
The Council Member Award honours a Manitoba CBA member of Council whose contribution to the Association and its goals is particularly noteworthy. It is one of eight MBA Recognition Awards, honouring colleagues who demonstrate excellence and commitment to the law, the legal profession and the community at large.
2008 – Sessional Instructor Melanie Bueckert
2005 – Sessional Instructor Robert Dawson
2004 – Sessional Instructor Annette Horst
Equality Award (MBA)
The Equality Award recognizes a Manitoba CBA member whose actions have contributed to the promotion of equality within the legal profession. It is one of eight MBA Recognition Awards, honouring colleagues who demonstrate excellence and commitment to the law, the legal profession and the community at large.
2010 – Instructor Sarah Lugtig
2007 – Professor Debra Parkes
Headnotes and Footnotes Award (MBA)
This award recognizes a Manitoba CBA member for outstanding contribution to our newsletter, Headnotes & Footnotes, in the past year. It is one of eight MBA Recognition Awards, honouring colleagues who demonstrate excellence and commitment to the law, the legal profession and the community at large.
2010 – Sessional Instructor Robert Dawson
President’s Award of Excellence (MBA)
The President’s Award of Excellence recognizes, honours and celebrates a Manitoba CBA member for extraordinary contribution to the Association and its goals, in any manner in the preceding year. It is one of eight MBA Recognition Awards, honouring colleagues who demonstrate excellence and commitment to the law, the legal profession and the community at large.
2017 – Dean of Law Jonathan Black-Branch
2004 – Sessional Instructor Robert Dawson
Pro Bono Award (MBA)
The Pro Bono Award is part of the Pro Bono Public Interest Law Project, a unique joint venture between the Manitoba Bar Association and the Public Interest Law Centre (PILC). Launched in 1996, the Project encourages lawyers and law firms to donate professional time or funds to enhance access to public interest legal services in Manitoba. Yearly, PILC makes a recommendation to the Executive Committee regarding the recipient of the Pro Bono Award.
2015 – Professor Aimée Craft
2009 – Sessional Instructor Robert Dawson
2005 – Professor Karen Busby
Other Awards:
Aaron Berg Award
The Aaron Berg award was created to recognize the contributions of Mr. Aaron Berg, former counsel to the Manitoba Human Rights Commission and General Counsel with Manitoba Justice. Mr. Berg, who died in June, 2017, was a human rights and administrative law expert. He represented the Commission in several high profile human rights cases, and was involved in drafting The Human Rights Code to replace the former Human Rights Act. The award is given to a person involved in the legal profession (lawyer, paralegal, law student) who has contributed significantly to the advancement of human rights in Manitoba by way of their legal work.
2018 – Professor Donn Short
Q Hall of Fame
Q Hall of Fame recognizes individuals for their significant contributions to the struggle for human rights and equality for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered (LGBT) Canadians.
2011 – Professor Karen Busby
YMCA-YWCA Women of Distinction Award
The YMCA-YWCA Women of Distinction Award recognizes the talent, achievement, imagination and innovation of Manitoban women who have made a unique and exemplary contribution to the development of others and to their community.
2007 – Professor Karen Busby (Business and Professions)
Canadian Bar Association’s Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity “Hero” Award
The Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Community Forum (SOGIC) awards recognize excellence within the Canadian legal profession in advancing the cause of equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and two-spirited (LGBTT) people.
2004 – Professor Karen Busby
Lambda Magic Community Changer Award
In 1993 the Lambda Business and Professional Club of Winnipeg sponsored the first MAGIC awards. MAGIC stands for Manitoba Achievement (in the) Gay Community, with ‘involvement’ squeezed in to make the name “Magic”. The MAGIC awards recognized the significant contribution that certain members of the community make toward our well-being, advancement and image in the community.
2002 – Professor Karen Busby
UOIT Award of Teaching Excellence in the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities
2015 – Assistant Professor Bruce Curran
Lionel J. McGowan Award for Excellence in Dispute Resolution
2015 – Professor Jennifer L. Schulz
University of Windsor’s Faculty of Law Professor of the Year Award
2002 – Professor Jennifer L. Schulz
If a recipient of any of the listed awards is missing or if you would like to see an award added, please email us.