Robert DiFazio, Business & Entrepreneurship Department adjunct, will be receiving the Excellence in Teaching Award on April 29th along with two other faculty members, Michelle Rafacz (Science & Math) and Wenhwa Ts’ao (Cinema Art & Science). Difazio will be the first adjunct faculty in the department to receive this recognition from the School of Fine & Performing Arts. Regarded by his colleagues as hard working and connective, it is clear that students enjoy his classes.

“It’s clear that Robert’s students respect him. . . . Students felt very comfortable making mistakes and getting help. The laid-back yet authoritative way in which he communicates seems very effective with his students.”

The Excellence in Teaching Award (ETA) is a celebration of the art of teaching at Columbia College Chicago. Each year, students, faculty, and staff honor their exceptional teachers and colleagues by nominating them for this prestigious award. The ETA Committee, composed of both full and part-time faculty, identify and honor Columbia teachers, usually one part-time and one full-time. The instructors will each receive a modest monetary award and a framed certificate.