We’re excited to announce that Dr. Marvin Lam, one of our expert instructors, is a recipient of the prestigious Margaret Procter Award for Excellence in Writing Instruction at the U of T for 2025-26. The award honours instructors who’ve left an imprint on their students’ sense of confidence and agency in improving their own writing craft. Dr. Boba Samuels, Director of the HSWC, notes, “Marvin's expertise in Applied Linguistics, his international experience, and his unceasing enthusiasm for writing centre programs make him not only a highly respected member of our team, but also one who is a pleasure to work with.”
Marvin was presented the award at the U of T Writing Instructors’ PD Day on April 15, 2026. Here he is holding his certificate alongside Dr. Boba Samuels, HSWC Director.
Since joining the Health Sciences Writing Centre in the fall of 2023, Marvin has modelled that excellence in his pedagogy, his rapport with students, and his commitment to improving writing instruction through research and learning alongside colleagues. Marvin’s students agree: those fortunate to be taught by him here at the HSWC or at the Robert Gillespie Academic Skills Centre, the Rotman Centre for Professional Skills, and the Institute for the Study of University Pedagogy share our appreciation.
“Receiving the Margaret Procter Award means a lot to me because it reflects the collegial nature of the work at the Health Sciences Writing Centre,” Marvin said of his win. “This recognition feels less like an individual achievement than a testament to our shared commitment to writing instruction and student support.”
With this accomplishment, Marvin joins our colleagues Michael Cournoyea, Cheryl Runke, and Roz Spafford among those honoured by this award, making ours the most decorated team of writing instructors at the U of T. That means when you visit us, you know you’re in very good hands!