Professor Tomer Kanan honored by AHS class of 2024
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Tomer Kanan fosters a connection with students that extends beyond class material.
Kanan, KN clinical assistant professor and director of the anatomy and physiology undergraduate labs, spends his office hours discussing big-picture questions about academic life more than the particulars of an anatomy lesson. He listens to students’ stories and helps them determine a path at UIC and in life beyond it.
As an educator engaged in his students’ personal journeys, Kanan anticipates graduation day each year and looks forward to meeting students’ families.
“You get to see where all that drive comes from,” he said.
Kanan was honored with the 2024 Silver Circle Award at commencement on May 4 for his teaching excellence and the strong bond he builds with students. This recognition — presented annually since 1996 to one faculty member from each of UIC’s colleges — is awarded not by fellow faculty or administrators, but by the graduating seniors.
Kanan teaches courses across the KN program — from a 600-student anatomy and physiology class, one of the largest at UIC, to advanced cadaver labs and experiential learning courses for teaching assistants.
In 2022, he was named AHS Educator of the Year. He also received a 2024 Excalibur Award for Teaching Excellence from the AHS Student Council, recognizing role models who “provide encouragement for learning, guide students in the achievement of their goals and are supportive of students’ efforts.”
Students across the department trust Kanan as a professor and a mentor, and he acknowledges that “these relationships go both ways.” Deciding whether he will offer additional review sessions or extended office hours requires two-way trust. He depends on students’ effort and engagement just as much as they depend on his.
“You get excited when they get excited,” Kanan said. “And when you need them, they are there.”
This year, for example, Kanan had students eager to work at open houses — not for payment, points or extra credit, but to share their positive experiences with prospective students.
Kanan also hosted an Eid al-Fitr feast earlier this spring for students in his 300- and 400-level courses from all different cultural and religious backgrounds. The group enjoyed celebrating near the end of the academic term and sharing traditions with their classmates.
Throughout the year, Kanan proudly witnesses students’ development, which is especially clear in those taking advanced courses. Students might begin the term worried about their grasp of challenging material, but eventually they develop enough confidence to pass their knowledge on to others as teaching assistants.