UA News

The Metropolitan Education Commission is honoring Ronald W. Marx and Raúl Nido with one of its Crystal Apple Awards at a ceremony to be held next month at the Tucson Convention Center.

Ronald W. Marx, the University of Arizona College of Education dean, will receive a Crystal Apple award next month in honor of his contributions to the field of education.

The Metropolitan Education Commission will honor Marx with the Crystal Apple during its 19th annual awards ceremony, which will be held May 6 at the Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave. The event will be held 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The Commission is also honoring a UA alum.

Raúl Nido, who graduated from the UA in 1973, will receive a lifetime achievement award.

Nido attended Sunnyside High School and earned an academic and athletic scholarship to attend the UA. While at the UA, he lettered in cross country and track and graduated with a degree to become a Spanish secondary teacher.

The Commission is comprised of more than 30 citizens concerned with education issues that affect Pima County. Its Crystal Apple Awards go to "individuals, businesses and programs that contribute to excellence in education in Tucson and Pima County," the Commission's Web site notes.

Bob Strauss, one of Tucson's foremost advocates for schools and children, nominated Marx for the award.

"I nominated Dean Marx for this award because of the strength, intelligence, and leadership he shows daily at the UA College of Education and throughout the state," Strauss said. "Today, the college is very strong and has a solid reputation. A strong college benefits the community in countless ways.

Marx, who is also an educational psychology professor, arrived at the UA in 2003. He has spent years working with scientists, educators and educational psychologists to improve science education.

In 2007, he served as a member of a U.S. Department of Education panel that reviewed the Teacher Incentive Fund, a grant program. He has also served on review panels for the National Science Foundation, the Networks of Centres of Excellence and for the Government of Canada.

Strauss said one of the incentives at the college now is to build an institute that would focus on early childhood education issues and serve educators throughout the state of Arizona.

"Dean Marx has provided tremendous leadership in helping us get this off the ground," Strauss said.