Doctoral candidate  in Hispanic Languages and Literature, Omar Badessi, who has received multiple awards for his outstanding  work and services to the Stony Brook community, has been distinguished this August 2023 with the Award for Excellence in Teaching an Online Course by the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Provost Office, Stony Brook University.

I am incredibly grateful to CELT for their unwavering support, which has enabled me to excel in my role as an online course instructor. My students and SBU colleagues have been an invaluable source of learning, inspiring me to continuously innovate and improve my teaching methods. Being chosen for the Excellence in Teaching an Online Course Award is a true honor, and it motivates me to continue fostering a dynamic and enriching learning environment for my students. SHUKRAN!! (THANK YOU IN ARABIC)

Omar is a  polyglot instructor at Stony Brook University, with a rich cultural background shaped by multiple influences. As a member of the native Amazigh community (North Africa), his heritage encompasses a blend of Mediterranean, African, Eastern, and European traditions. He thrives on connecting with people from all walks of life, valuing the diverse perspectives they bring. At SBU, Omar has developed immersive and culturally-aware Arabic and Spanish language curricula, integrating creative activities to enhance students’ language skills while deepening their understanding of the rich tapestry of Spanish and Arabic cultures.

This year Omar was also granted the Best Translator Award from the Institute of General Semantics for his translation from English to Arabic of Practical Fairy Tales for Everyday Living (Revised 2nd ed. by Martin H. Levinson).

In 2022, our department recognized his outstanding dedication to our undergraduate students and awarded him the Excellence in Graduate Teaching Award. That same year he was also awarded a Travel Research Award to advance his dissertation project on the cultural relations between northern Africa and southern Europe. In 2001, he was also named Employee of the year, third place, at the Stony Brook University Career Center.

To Omar, language classes serve as a gateway to explore the intricacies of various cultures, fostering a greater appreciation and understanding among students. Through language learning, students not only acquire linguistic proficiency but also dismantle false stereotypes, enabling them to embrace new ways of thinking.

Along with his commitment to fostering a sense of community and academic excellence, Omar designed “Amigos de Omar”, a  newsletter that serves as a platform for his students to express their unique personalities, learning experiences, creativity, and cultural diversity. It also serves as a valuable tool for Omar to continuously improve his teaching methods while sharing his artistic passions and collaborations. During the pandemic, his dedication to his students was highlighted by the College of Arts and Sciences (see interview). This 2023, his fifth year at Stony Brook, Omar continues to encourage and empower students to embrace cultural diversity and enrich their lives through language and cultural exploration.