Ferdinand Metz, certified master chef (CMC), world global master chef (WGMC), American Academy of Chefs (AAC), hall of fame (HOF), of Escondido, California, received the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s (NRAEF) 2010 Michael E. Hurst Lifetime Achievement in Education Award during NRAEF’s Salute to Excellence event at the Hilton Chicago on May 22.

“This award is for all educators more than it is for me,” says Metz, president emeritus of The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, managing partner of The Master Chefs’ Institute and co-owner of Ferdinand Metz Culinary Innovations LLC. “By creating an award such as this—in the name of Michael Hurst, who was an educator and an operator—the industry has realized that education is our future. Teachers could make more money in other positions, but as educators, they have the satisfaction of touching many lives and careers. Teaching leaves a legacy.”

The Michael E. Hurst Lifetime of Achievement in Education Award was established in 2002 in honor of Michael E. Hurst, a respected and successful operator and firm advocate of industry education. The award is presented to an outstanding educator who has made an indelible contribution to restaurant and foodservice education, according to the association. Past recipients include Dave Thomas (posthumously), founder, Wendy’s International Inc., 2002; Carol Kizer, CCE, RD, FMP, HAAC, hospitality management department chair emeritus, Columbus State Community College, Columbus, Ohio, 2007; and Donald Smith, Westin distinguished professor, Washington State University, Pullman, Wash., 2009.

By receiving the award, Metz is recognized as a modern day pioneer for education who exemplifies passion and enthusiasm for education and has demonstrated support for the educational initiatives of NRAEF, as well as strong, positive moral character and integrity throughout his career.