June 22, 2012 | June 22, 2012 | Aaron Ricca, son of Greg Ricca, M.D., and Dallie Ricca, M.D., of Jonesboro, has won the Dr. Horace N. Marvin Award for achieving the highest numerical score in his freshman medical microscopic anatomy course at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).

The award, recognizing Marvin’s 43 years at UAMS as a dedicated educator, researcher and campus leader, was presented to Ricca in a June 18 ceremony. The award includes a $500 honorarium and certificate and was presented by David L. Davies, Ph.D., associate professor and course director of medical microscopic anatomy in the Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences in the UAMS College of Medicine.

“It’s very rewarding to be acknowledged for all the hours spent studying and hard work I put into my first year in medical school,” said Ricca, whose name was added to the Marvin Award memorial plaque adjacent to Marvin’s bust in the UAMS Library.

Ricca says he “really enjoyed microanatomy” and the one-on-one instruction during the course and in the laboratory. “Dr. Davies and Dr. Laura Stanley worked with each student individually to make sure they learned the material. This was a great learning environment for a stimulating class,” Ricca said.

The Marvin award was established with anonymous donations in 1985, the year Marvin retired. He was course director of Medical Microscopic Anatomy and was chair of the Department of Anatomy from 1958-1967, after which he served as associate dean for Academic Affairs.