FASS News
International Studies Faculty and Staff Receive 2024 FASS Awards
Gerardo Otero
At the 2024 FASS Fall Reception, we proudly celebrated Gerardo Otero, this year’s recipient of the Dean’s Medal and Lifetime Achievement Award, for his exceptional service throughout his 34-year career at SFU. Gerardo Otero joined SFU in 1990, and today, he is a professor in the School for International Studies.
Throughout his tenure at SFU, Professor Otero has created 35 new courses across three departments—Spanish and Latin American Studies, Sociology and Anthropology, and International Studies—supervised dozens of graduate students, and served as the graduate chair for SIS. Professor Otero was the 2021/22 president of the Latin American Studies Association and organized its 40th congress in 2022.
Tamir Moustafa
At the FASS Fall Reception, Tamir Moustafa was honored with the FASS Dean’s Medal for 2024, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to scholarship, teaching, and service at SFU. Tamir Moustafa is a professor of International Studies and the Stephen Jarislowsky Chair at SFU.
Professor Moustafa is a leading scholar at the intersection of law, religion, and authoritarian politics. He is the author of three award-winning books published by Cambridge University Press, as well as numerous peer-reviewed journal articles in top outlets. He was recently elected by his peers to serve on the APSA Council, the principal governance body of the 11,000- member American Political Science Association.
Professor Moustafa is also a popular and dedicated instructor in International Studies and has supervised numerous graduate students over his many years at SFU. From 2017-2022, he served as director of the School for International Studies, and in 2022/23 he served as the interim director of the Centre for Comparative Muslim Studies at SFU.
Ellen Siew Meng Yap
One of the highlights of the Fall Reception is the opportunity to celebrate the often unsung heroes of FASS – our dedicated staff. This year, we are especially proud to recognize Ellen Siew Meng Yap for her outstanding contributions and unwavering commitment to excellence at the School for International Studies. As the School’s manager, Ellen possesses a deep understanding of its history and a steadfast dedication to cultivating a vibrant and supportive community.
Whether working with students, staff, or faculty, Ellen is known as a mentor, problem-solver, and source of constant support. She also excels at maintaining strong ties with alumni, acting as the vital link that keeps the School’s community connected. Thanks to her efforts, former students continue to feel engaged and valued long after they graduate.