Where great teaching begins: Constructor University honors the 2025 Teachers of the Year
Constructor University announced the recipients of the 2025 Teacher of the Year Award. The annual recognition is driven by students and given to a professor from each of Constructor University’s three schools who best exemplifies excellence, eloquence and enthusiasm in teaching. The winners of this year’s award are:
- Hendro Wicaksono (School of Business, Social & Decision Sciences)
- Kinga Lipskoch (School of Computer Science and Engineering)
- Thomas Nugent (School of Science)
Each year, students across campus nominate the instructors who most profoundly shaped their learning experience. These nominations form the foundation of the Teacher of the Year Award, which is deliberated by a committee that features representation from both undergraduate and graduate students. This year’s winners were announced and commended at Constructor University’s Annual Opening event in September.
Together, these three educators reflect the heart, mind and spirit behind great teaching and embody Constructor University’s values of passion, collaboration and curiosity. Their care and passion for the craft elevate Constructor University’s stature as a place of higher learning and contribute to a campus culture where students are empowered to ask questions, dig deeper and pursue their highest potential.
On behalf of students, staff and faculty, congratulations to these three professors on being recognized as Constructor University’s 2025 Teachers of the Year.
Teaching with heart: Hendro Wicaksono
Professor Wicaksono has been teaching industrial engineering, management and supply chain management at Constructor University for six years, bringing a humanity and empathy to the classroom that sets him apart in the eyes of his students. “I have never had a more supportive professor throughout my academic career,” shared one student. “He is always there for all students and always tries to see the best in everyone.” Another student commented that “beyond his professional experience, Professor Wicaksono is a great person. You can always count on him. No matter the question, he is approachable, easy to talk to and always ready to help.”
Professor Wicaksono acknowledged that authentic human connection is central to his teaching philosophy, especially in a culturally diverse and international setting like Constructor University. “The job of being a teacher isn’t just conveying knowledge. It’s also connecting with students, understanding their goals and motivations, believing in them and mentoring them towards their dream,” he said.
Unsurprisingly, this earnest approach resonated deeply with the students who nominated him this year, as succinctly summarized by one who wrote: “He has a heart for all of his students.”
Illuminating the mind: Kinga Lipskoch
For more than a decade, distinguished lecturer Kinga Lipskoch has helped Constructor students unpack, understand and retain the challenging concepts and technical content of the computer science courses she teaches. Students laud her gift for making the complex understandable without diluting its substance. “Professor Lipskoch explains complex topics clearly and always supports her students,” one student shared. “Her teaching style is engaging and she truly cares about our success.”
Another student added, “she clearly explains in lectures using simple language and relatable examples, and also actively supports exam preparation by focusing on the most relevant and important topics.” Students also noted professor Lipskoch’s care and dedication for her students, with one writing: “She has dedicated her life to teaching us. Every time there is a problem for a student, she assists without any hesitation.”
The spirit of learning: Thomas Nugent
Students in Constructor University’s School of Science describe Thomas Nugent as a teacher whose enthusiasm fills the room before the lecture even begins. For more than 20 years, he has brought chemistry to life for Constructor science students with his wealth of expertise and contagious energy. “Getting bored is almost impossible,” exclaimed one student. “He makes his classes super fun and interesting, and he explains everything extremely well.”
Even during the dreaded Monday-morning 8:15 timeslot, Professor Nugent’s enthusiasm proved too infectious to resist: “Waking up in the early morning and dragging myself to class feels so much more bearable when I know I’ll have a lecture with Professor Nugent,” wrote one such student. “He is one of the people who can make you feel comfortable in class regardless of your grades, motivation and whether the subject is something you’re good at or not.” Another student added, “his passion and dedication for the subject made the learning process really enjoyable.”