USask Engineering faculty and staff recognized at 2025 USSU Excellence Awards

Each year, the University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union (USSU) honours outstanding contributions to the university community through its USSU Excellence Awards, recognizing excellence in teaching, volunteerism, staff spirit, and campus involvement. The College of Engineering is proud to celebrate two recipients in 2025. Dr. J.D. Johnston, professor of mechanical engineering, received the Teaching Excellence Award, and staff member Jamie Gegner was honoured with the Doug Favell USask Staff Spirit Award.

The USSU Teaching Excellence Awards recognizes professors and teaching assistants who demonstrate teaching excellence at the University of Saskatchewan. As defined by the USSU, “An excellent teacher not only gives us access to knowledge but also gives us the tools with which to turn that knowledge into wisdom.”  The USSU Teaching Excellence Award celebrates educators who not only share knowledge but also inspire growth through enthusiasm, clear organization, and fair evaluation. These qualities help create learning environments where students feel encouraged to explore, question, and develop into thoughtful, capable leaders. This is Dr. Johnston’s second time winning a USSU Excellence Award, winning his first award in 2018.

Jamie Gregner received the Doug Favell USask Staff Spirit Award. This award recognizes non-academic staff members who are responsible for enhancing the student experience. This award recognizes non-academic staff members who are responsible for enhancing the student experience. Jamie is the College of Engineering Student Support and Outreach Coordinator and teaches students about mental wellness and tools to sustain their well-being.

For more information about the USSU Excellence Awards, https://ussu.ca/excellence-awards/