In honor of his engaging teaching style and care for students, LSA economics lecturer Edward Cho has been selected to receive the 27th annual Golden Apple Award.

The Golden Apple Award annually recognizes one professor for outstanding teaching, and the Golden Apple Award Committee selects a winner based on the quality and quantity of nominations received from students.

Cho was surprised with the award during his economics class at Lorch Hall on Thursday.

“When I was a little kid, I thought my dream would be to be a professional wrestler,” Cho, lecturer III, said, igniting his students’ laughter. “I realized that wasn’t going to happen with this body. This is a dream come true.”

Cho earned his Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He has taught at multiple universities including Harvard University and MIT.

In several nominations, Cho’s students said he connects with all his students, and makes lectures fun and engaging. They highlighted his sense of humor and how Cho is “willing to go the extra mile” for his students.

This year, the Golden Apple Award Committee received a record-breaking 1,137 nominations from students across campus. It is the only student-selected teaching award on campus.

LSA senior and committee co-chair Rachel Liang said the group has consistently received nominations from students for Cho for the past few years.

“We thought all his students’ comments were very, very genuine and it seems just extremely heartfelt,” Liang said. “People talk about how he changed their career trajectories so we thought this is someone who’s very worthy of it.”

Golden Apple Award recipients are charged each year with giving a lecture as if it’s their last. The award was originally inspired by teacher Rabbi Eliezer ben Hurkanos, who taught others to “get your life in order one day before you die.”

Cho’s lecture will take place at 7 p.m. April 3 in the Rackham Auditorium. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and a reception will follow.

Jim Adams, Arthur F. Thurnau Professor, Shorey Peterson Professor of Industrial Organization and Corporate Finance and professor of economics, said the Golden Apple Award has two important characteristics: It’s a universitywide recognition that is given by students.

“And so, from the perspective of a great teacher like Dr. Cho, it is more valuable, more appreciated than any of the other teaching awards that the University of Michigan has,” Adams said.

Adams read a statement from Paul Rhode, professor and chair of the Department of Economics, who said Cho’s recognition is a well-deserved honor.

“Ed brings remarkable dynamism and knowledge to the classroom,” Rhode said in the statement. “One leaves every interaction with him with increased energy.”

Tags:

• Department of Economics
• Golden Apple Award