Ian Greene Award for Teaching Excellence
A student-run award recognizing outstanding professors and TAs in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies at York University.“It’s the students who choose who they think are the best teachers.”
– Professor Emeritus Ian Greene
Congratulations to the 2025 award recipients!
Matthew Bucemi, Professor
Writing Department
RationaleProfessor Bucemi was recognized for his relationship with students, his holistic impact on his classes, and the innovative learning opportunities he crafted.Student Testimonials• "He's personable and down to earth and the kindest prof I've had at York."
• "He creates such an open, warm and welcoming environment that students will naturally call him Matt instead of Professor Bucemi."
• "Professor Bucemi constantly pulls out nearly every contact he has in the publishing industry to invite them to class for students to network and hear from."
Margrethe McKoen, Teaching Assistant
Department of History
RationaleMs. McKoen was celebrated for her responsiveness, engaging presentation style, and kind demeanor tempered with constructive guidance.Student Testimonials• "Maggie goes above and beyond what I would expect even from a professor."
• “[She] has put in effort to make her tutorial a stress-free zone where very few people are afraid of putting in their two cents."
• "One of her strongest qualities, though, is her ability to remain firm while being kind."
About the Award
The Ian Greene Award for Teaching Excellence is an annual merit-based award given to one professor and one teaching assistant (TA) in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS). The award recognizes and rewards academic staff who have demonstrated excellent ability in teaching and supporting their students.The award is managed entirely by students, from the nomination process to selecting the recipients. This ensures that the student perspective is always considered and the selected teachers are truly the best – in the eyes of their students.The award was created in 2007 and named after Ian Greene, a professor emeritus (retired) in the School of Public Policy and Administration. The award was created by his former students in recognition of his outstanding drive and effort to teach and make learning a unique experience. It is overseen and presented by the Student Council of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (SCOLAPS.)
⬇️ Meet the 2024 award recipients ⬇️
Natalie Neill, Professor
Department of English
Dr. Neill with Dr. Ian Greene, the award's namesake, at a celebratory BBQ.
RationaleDr. Neill was recognized for her ability to deliver engaging lecture content, her care and respect for her students, and her commitment to making sure students have their voices heard.Student TestimonialsDr. Neill's nominator described her as "the most compassionate professor whom evidently cares about her students' success." She strives to "always ensure everybody’s voice is heard," which made students truly "want to participate in her classes."
Hiba Ibrahim, Teaching Assistant
Writing Department
Ms. Ibhrahim and Dr. Greene, speaking via Zoom at the BBQ.
RationaleMs. Ibrahim was recognized for her innovative and academically-supportive method of leading tutorials, as well as her personable and approachable nature.Student TestimonialsMs. Ibrahim's nominator wrote that “Hiba set up our classroom in a way that made you want to participate and share your ideas and also allowed you to learn from your peers.” Her students express that it is clear that she cares for "both our academic progress and wellbeing."