The parent company of Cox Communications on Wednesday named a San Diego State University professor emeritus as its “National Cox Conserves Hero” for 2018.
Cox Enterprises will donate $60,000 to the San Diego River Park Foundation at Phil Pryde’s request as part of his award. Pryde has worked with local conservation groups for 48 years and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the River Park Foundation and the Anza-Borrego Foundation.
“I’m truly honored to accept this award,” Pryde said. “The San Diego River is an important part of the community here and you may be sure I’ll continue to help protect it. I want to thank Cox and the Trust for Public Land for their generosity. These funds will be put to good use by The San Diego River Park Foundation so that everyone can continue to enjoy the river.”
Pryde taught environmental policy, land use planning and environmental impact analysis for 32 years at San Diego State before retiring. He is the author of the environmental guide, “San Diego: An Introduction to the Region.”
The Cox Conserves Heroes program honored environmental leaders in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Virginia and Washington. Pryde is the first national winner of the award, besting the winners from the other seven states. Cox has donated more than $860,000 to environmental nonprofits since launching the award program in 2008.
“Phil has done a tremendous job not only volunteering with The San Diego River Park Foundation to keep our outdoor spaces protected, but he’s also dedicated many hours and years to helping educate our next generation of environmental stewards,” said Sam Attisha, senior vice president and California region manager for Cox Communications. “San Diego is fortunate to have a treasure like Phil Pryde in our community and Cox Communications is proud to honor him and support the San Diego River Park Foundation’s environmental efforts.”
— City News Service
