Any successful student will tell you they didn't get where they are alone.
A strong support network, including instructors who go to great lengths to see them succeed, is a major asset for anyone pursuing post-secondary education.
The five recipients of Capilano University's 2025 Teaching Excellence Awards are nominated by students in each of CapU's faculties and perfectly thread the needle to make a meaningful, distinct university experience for their students. Let's meet them.
2025 Teaching Excellence Awards Recipients
Faculty of Arts & Sciences
Megan Smetzer
School of Humanities
Megan Smetzer, PhD, is an art historian and award-winning author who focuses on the practices of Indigenous artists on the northwest coast of Canada.
Her research focuses on the meshing of traditional and contemporary Indigenous art, specifically works created by women.
Ironically, many of her favourite parts of teaching happen in conversations during breaks or after class.
"There is nothing more thrilling than a quiet student enthusiastically sharing the moment when they made a connection that transformed their learning," she says. "Or when a vocal student takes time to dig deeper into big ideas discussed in the classroom."
"I have new perspectives on so many topics thanks to Megan inviting us to think more creatively than we had ever done before."
- Student nominator quote
Faculty of Business & Professional Studies
Ivan Surjanovic
School of Business
Ivan Surjanovic, PhD, is an accomplished consultant who specializes in marketing and business strategy. He has worked with managers at more than 100 companies across North America and Europe, with a focus on the digital marketplace.
Surjanovic, whose business expertise has been featured in Business in Vancouver and TEDx Vancouver, enjoys teaching at CapU because his students can connect theory with practice.
"What I love most about teaching is creating those a-ha' moments, when students grasp new concepts and master new skills," he says. "I truly enjoy connecting with students, guiding and coaching them as they navigate their professional journeys and grow as individuals."
"In our online class, Ivan makes us feel heard and important, welcoming all comments and responding with positive feedback."
- Student nominator quote
Faculty of Education, Health & Human Development
Carolyn Neapole
School of Allied Health
Carolyn Neapole, MA, started her career as a singer and songwriter, specializing in vocals, piano and guitar, releasing three albums.
She shifted to a career in music therapy because she wanted to help people make a difference in their lives through music.
Neapole was nominated for this award by 14 of her students - the most of any 2025 recipient - a testament to how her teaching is inspiring the next generation.
"To love learning is to have a lifetime of possibility," she says. I aspire to build empathetic relationships with students so they can feel safe enough to try, and brave enough to grow."
"She meets us where we are, treating us like peers with her honesty, humility and willingness to share her own mistakes to create a collaborative and safe learning environment."
- Student nominator quote
Faculty of Global & Community Studies
Donna Perry
School of Kinesiology
Donna Perry, M.Sc., is one of Canada's top mental performance consultants and sport psychology educators. She has worked with organizations including the Canadian Men's Paralympic Soccer team and Para-Equestrian Canada.
She has taught kinesiology at CapU for more than two decades and is driven by a strong commitment to advancing athlete well-being.
"What I love most about teaching is the opportunity to inspire students to develop a passion for kinesiology," she says. "There's nothing quite like seeing my students apply what they've learned, both in the classroom and later in their careers."
"Donna is a mentor who genuinely cares about students' learning journeys by offering a positive, encouraging environment that makes learning feel meaningful and relevant."
- Student nominator quote
Faculty of Fine & Applied Arts
Michael Thoma
School of Motion Picture Arts
Michael Thoma, PhD, is a mentor for his students, encouraging them to apply high standards to their academics and filmmaking.
Understanding that he's sending graduates into a highly competitive industry that is always changing, Thoma offers an open learning space that allows students to develop their technical skills, but also their vision and creative voice.
He describes his relationship with teaching as "sharing a journey of discovery with emerging artists," fostering a learning environment that provides context and communication, rather than simply transferring information.
"The journey changes with every student, every class, every year and every story," he says. "Which means a journey of discovery for me as well."
"We were challenged but always felt respected through engaging lectures and hands-on weekly assignments that made the material exciting to apply."
- Student nominator quote
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