Colorado State University has become a great university because our students, faculty, staff and alumni draw strength from an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Rams lean into challenges and don’t listen to those who say it can’t be done, President Tony Frank recently told a crowd of more than 700 supporters gathered for the annual 1870 Dinner.

Ever-rising profile

Frank also talked about CSU’s record year of fundraising, with alumni, friends and other supporters of the University donating more than $143 million during the 2013-14 fiscal year. CSU posted its seventh consecutive year with more than $300 million in research expenditures and continued to build on record enrollment, record graduation rates and the ever-rising national and international profile of the university.

A highlight from Frank’s speech is posted above, or you can watch his entire 1870 speech.