“I coordinate the Spanish program at Laurier. I'm also the coordinator of the new Mediterranean Program. I have been chosen as Outstanding Teacher, a university-wide award, in 2000. I was named one of the most popular professors at Laurier for five years according to Macleans Magazine and got the Faculty Mentoring Award at Laurier in 2005,” says Mercedes, who has also received many awards and recognitions for her research.
“My latest publication was in the Best Sellers list for three weeks in Montevideo, Uruguay in 2003. The second edition of the same book was just published in Mexico City with an introduction by the famous Mexican writer Elena Poniatwoska. In 2002, a translation of a collection of short stories translated from Spanish to English got the Prize for best translation given by FOREWORD Magazine in Los Angeles.”
Mercedes says her work requires passion, dedication and respect for students. “Honesty, ethical behaviour and a deep understanding of the teaching and learning process are essential,” says Mercedes, who earned a PhD from U of T.
“I have been with Wilfrid Laurier University since 1994 — one year before I finished my PhD. Before that I was self-employed for 18 years while I studied at UTM and then at the St. George campus doing my grad work.”
Mercedes has been a member of the OCUFA Status of Women's Committee and the secretary and vice-president of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese. She credits her mentors with helping her along her career path.
“Many of my professors were a real inspiration to me, both at UTM and at the St. George campus,” she says.
“I was lucky enough that my first application landed me the current position at Laurier. I chose Laurier because it reminds me of UTM: smaller in size, but with great potential. Search for what makes you happy. Look for your passion. Success will follow."