“Apart from the classroom, he actively promotes research teams—that is, groups of students and experts addressing critical problems. For those close by, his capacity to inspire critical thinking and zeal of knowledge-sharing has greatly enhanced intellectual and professional development.”
Mizanur Rahman, Ph.D, Professor
Beyond instructional excellence, Ali is actively involved in initiatives that support student recruitment and retention, often serving as a mentor and advisor to both new students and faculty.
Ali Owayid has demonstrated leadership in developing an effective learning environment for students both in and outside of the classroom. He has been a champion in creating a positive environment that blends both theorical and practical hands-on learning and is the architect behind state-of-the-art labs at the Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation.
Beyond instructional excellence, Ali is actively involved in initiatives that support student recruitment and retention, often serving as a mentor and advisor to both new students and faculty. His dedication to student success, whether through one-on-one advising, supervision of applied research and projects, or service on key academic advisory committees - demonstrates a deep dedication to shaping students’ educational journeys in meaningful ways.
His impact on students, faculty, and the broader academic and professional communities is profound. He is the architect behind Humber’s Technology Innovation Hub at the Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation and the state-of-the-art Data Centre, and was instrumental in securing a partnership with BDATA to enhance cybersecurity training
infrastructure at The Digital Technology Hub. Ali exemplifies excellence in teaching, innovation, mentorship, and industry collaboration.
“Andrew’s dedication to teaching and learning and serving Humber students has allowed him to build strong relationships with his graduates which further bolsters the opportunities for current students to connect, learn and develop employability, and gain employment.”
James Cullin, Longo Faculty of Business
Through his usage of hackathons in-class, the Golf Lab, and golf tournaments, Andrew's impact is immeasurable yet clearly on display through the relationships that he cultivates with students, alumni, and industry professionals.
Andrew Vento, a Professor and Program Coordinator for the Longo Faculty of Business’ Professional Golf Management program. His dedication to his students, the learning environment, community, and professional activities in the golf industry is an example of an educator who goes above and beyond to support and guide students to success.
Andrew organizes yearly golf tournaments that provide hands-on learning to students about event management and offers opportunities to network and build a community that fosters deep meaningful connections between current Humber students, Humber alumni, and professionals in the golf industry.
Andrew collaborated with the Longo Centre for Entrepreneurship (CfE) to organize hackathons that were embedded into class curricula. This creative and innovative delivery method of course curricula provided students with the chance to solve a real-world problem that an industry partner proposed. This deliberate decision to incorporate hackathons in-class was a creative and innovative method to deliver entrepreneurship education, industry connection, and experiential learning to his students.
Andrew Vento is unwavering in his efforts and dedication to serving Humber students, prospective students, and alumni. Through his usage of hackathons in-class, the Golf Lab, and golf tournaments, Andrew's impact is immeasurable yet clearly on display through the relationships that he cultivates with students, alumni, and industry professionals.
“Sometimes I look back and cannot believe how far I have come — from being a shy international student from Manila, to graduating at the top of the journalism class with an associate producer job at CBC Radio this summer. A huge part of that growth is because of Prof. Wise. And when I invited him to my graduation party, he showed up, like he always does for his students.”
Annicca Albano, Graduate, Journalism
Mike has been a pioneer in the development of authentic assessments, inclusive curriculum design, and peer mentorship while advancing institutional goals through leadership, research and national recognition – demonstrating a transformative impact on teaching, learning, and academic excellence throughout his career at Humber.
Mike Wise is a highly innovative educator who has led the development of Humber’s first competency-based Journalism program, integrating equity, innovation, and industry relevance. He designed program elements that recognize prior learning and unique learner interest, reflecting a learning environment wholeheartedly committed to equity and inclusivity.
Mike used competency-based education as a systemic approach to embedding flexibility, personalization, and multiple pathways to competency demonstration into Journalism curriculum. This commitment serves to reduce systemic barriers for learners with diverse lived experience and demonstrates thoughtful application of EDIB principles in curriculum design.
Mike has been a pioneer in the development of authentic assessments, inclusive curriculum design, and peer mentorship while advancing institutional goals through leadership, research and national recognition – demonstrating a transformative impact on teaching, learning, and academic excellence throughout his career at Humber. He is a kind, supportive, and relatable instructor who makes a meaningful impact on his students’ lives.
“In addition to his outstanding work with students, he has been a remarkable mentor to me personally. His guidance, patience, and willingness to share his knowledge have had a meaningful impact on my own professional development as an educator. He leads by example and inspires those around him through his collaborative spirit, work ethic, and integrity.”
Nilufar Poshtiban, Ph.D, P.Eng, Professor and Program Coordinator
A tireless advocate for student achievement and retention, Dr. Kazazi invests significant time in personalized academic support, meeting one-on-one with students to guide their progress and help them overcome academic and personal challenges.
Dr. Savdulla Kazazi, demonstrates outstanding leadership, innovation, and dedication to both student and faculty success. He has played a pivotal role in curriculum development, currently designing three major courses for the Mechatronics and Information Systems Engineering degree programs.
A tireless advocate for student achievement and retention, Dr. Kazazi invests significant time in personalized academic support, meeting one-on-one with students to guide their progress and help them overcome academic and personal challenges. His passion for student success is evident in his consistent efforts to enhance the student experience, including the integration of new, engaging program elements aimed at increasing enrollment and student engagement.
Dr. Kazazi played a leading role in the development of the Sustainable Microgrid and Renewable Technology (SMART) Lab—a groundbreaking initiative in partnership with Siemens. This advanced facility supports both student training and applied research in renewable energy and microgrid systems, positioning Humber Polytechnic at the forefront of sustainability and innovation in technical education.
He is also the driving force behind one of FAST’s most innovative teaching spaces - the state-of-the-art instrumentation lab (J218), which he personally designed and commissioned. His vision and dedication have resulted in one of the most modern labs on campus, significantly enhancing the hands-on learning experience for our students.
People(s) & Culture, Humber Polytechnic
205 Humber College Blvd.
Toronto, ON M9W 5L7
Main Line: 416 675-6622