(Le texte original anglais n'a pas été traduit pour respecter les propos de l'auteur.)

Ben Moffat

When it comes to teaching Dr.Ben Moffat does it all. He has been a geography instructor at Medecine Hat College since 1984.

Ever since then, he has been the anchor of the discipline and of the program in geography. Ben Moffat has done a superb job making the discipline visible and intellectually inspiring in an environment that has not recognised the existence of Geography as a discipline in the school system.

In his years at Medecine Hat, Dr.Moffat has led his discipline and area through significant growth. When he started, there were approximately 30 students enrolled in three geography courses; currently, there are some 200 students enrolled in ten different courses.  Many of the new geography courses were added under Dr.Moffat’s leadership in order to fulfill needs of a general geographic education and of an improved training on the technical side of the discipline. His teaching has covered a truly remarkable range of topics and themes showing Ben’s ability to deal geography as holistic subject. He has contributed to introductory courses in both human and physical geography and to courses in GIS, Air Photo Interpretation  Environmental Studies and Resource Management. He has also taught sociology and has introduced various regional geography courses, including a very popular and interesting intersession course that he has now taught for eight consecutive years and that includes a three week trip through the Western United States.

Dr.Moffat is truly committed to excellence in his teaching. He is extremely well-liked and respected by his students and colleagues alike. He is not only an excellent lecturer and teacher but also a mentor and role model to his students. As a result of his work, commitment and leadership, geography students form a cohesive and visible group on campus. Many are active, for example, in their campus geography club (called the Knob and Kettle Club). He has inspired many students to participate in the profession and in their national.  The testimonies reinforce Dr.Moffat's success as an inspired and committed teacher who successfully introduces geography to many students. As for his colleagues, they see him as friendly and cooperative, always willing to help out. For example, he has served on numerous college committees and is always interested in improving the quality of teaching and learning at his institution.

He is a dedicated teacher and academic, and is a remarkable individual as well as an outstanding representative of and ambassador for our discipline. It is a pleasure to recognise his contribution to teaching geography with this well deserved award.