U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross presented Colorado State University with the “E” Award for Exports at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., on May 21. The President’s “E” Award is the highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of the nation’s  exports.

Colorado State was recognized for excellence in exporting education through international students.

“We’re proud of doubling our international student cohort over the past several years,” said CSU President Tony Frank. “These students contribute to the intellectual and cultural vitality of Colorado State University and increase our connection to more than 110 countries worldwide. Such connections are instrumental in working together to solve global issues such as food supply, disease, and economic development.”

CSU’s international student enrollment has increased for 11 consecutive years, with 1,995 students from around the world currently enrolled at the University. Over the past five years, international enrollment has increased by 63 percent, and it has increased by 126 percent for the past 10 years.

“This award is a huge honor for Colorado State University,” said Jim Cooney, vice provost for international affairs. “Only 10 universities have received this award since it was initiated in the 1960s, and we are proud of this accomplishment.”

The award application was compiled by Mark Hallett, senior director of international student and scholar services in the Office of International Programs. Hallett and Cooney accepted the award at the U.S. Department of Commerce on behalf of the University.

Read more stories related to the Office of International Programs at CSU.

In good company

In total, Secretary Ross honored 43 U.S. companies and organizations with the President’s “E” Award for their role in strengthening the U.S. economy by sharing American ingenuity outside the country’s borders. U.S. exports totaled $2.33 trillion in 2017, accounting for 12 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product. Exports supported an estimated 10.7 million jobs nationwide in 2016, according to the most recent statistics from the International Trade Administration. Over 1 million international students study at U.S. colleges and universities; they contributed $36.9 billion and supported over 450,000 jobs to the U.S. economy in the 2016-2017 academic year.

Colorado State University’s nearly 2,000 international students contributed $76.7 million and supported 1,165 jobs, Hallett said.

About the “E” Awards

In 1961, President John F. Kennedy signed an executive order reviving the World War II “E” symbol of excellence to honor and provide recognition to America’s exporters. Criteria for the award is based on four years of successive export growth in one or more international markets.

For more information about the “E” Awards and the benefits of exporting, visit www.export.gov.