It is likely those fans were instrumental in voting for him and helping to overwhelmingly secure him the title of best teacher for 2010 - his third win in the past four years.
Mr Zaharic was among 11 lecturers recognised in the annual Otago University Students' Association awards announced this week.
He said afterwards he was "a bit embarrassed ... but pleased to get a gong".
"I do love my discipline and I love my job. I also love that my students took the time to vote."
A new group of students every year kept him fresh, he said. However, that meant he also had a responsibility to keep up his enthusiasm.
The awards have been running since 2002.
This year, two new categories were introduced. Inclusive education lecturer Gill Rutherford, from the college of education, won the most inclusive teacher award, and Associate Prof Peter Dearden (biochemistry) the award for best use of humour.
Almost 670 students nominated 283 lecturers for this year's awards, OUSA president Harriet Geoghegan said.
More than 1270 students voted for their favourites among the shortlist of 20 names.
The other teachers receiving certificates and gifts yesterday were David Schmierer (pharmacy), Dr Murat Genc (economics), Prof Alan Cooper (geology), Haruko Stuart (Japanese), Joneen Walker (college of education), Prof Stuart Anderson (law), Barry Empson (German) and Prof Mark Henaghan (law).
