Established in 2002, the prestigious Dr. Aileen Creighton Award for Teaching Excellence pays homage to the remarkable legacy of the late Dr. Aileen Creighton, a true luminary in the academic realm. With a remarkable 41-year career at Del Mar College, Dr. Creighton's impact was not just in her title as dean emeritus of the Arts and Sciences Division, but in her unwavering commitment to the craft of teaching.As an embodiment of the ideals of a "master teacher," Dr. Creighton's name has become synonymous with excellence and dedication. The award stands as a beacon, guiding our faculty to emulate the exceptional standards set by this educational luminary. In her distinguished career, Dr. Creighton demonstrated a unique blend of passion, innovation, and devotion to her students, qualities that remain an inspiration to educators everywhere.More than just an accolade, the Dr. Aileen Creighton Award for Teaching Excellence is a testament to the profound impact that educators can have on shaping lives and futures. It encapsulates the essence of teaching, highlighting the profound influence that a skilled and dedicated educator can wield in the lives of their students. By upholding the legacy of Dr. Creighton, this award reminds us of the transformative power of education and the profound responsibility that educators bear in shaping the next generation.In honoring Dr. Creighton's memory, we celebrate the values she embodied – a tireless pursuit of knowledge, an unwavering dedication to student success, and an unshakeable belief in the power of education to change lives. The award serves as a reminder that we are not just educators; we are architects of dreams, cultivators of potential, and guardians of the flame of knowledge.