CMU International Program receives Department of Commerce award

Grand Junction – Colorado Mesa University President Tim Foster and the International Programs Office at CMU received the U.S Department of Commerce “E” Certificate for Export award. Local Rotarian leaders who support the program applauded the prestigious recognition. The award was presented by United States Rep. Scott Tipton and was issued to celebrate the university’s contribution towards increased United States exports.

On May 6, 2015 the International Programs building was officially unveiled as Rotary Hall. A long time Grand Junction Rotarian established a significant endowed scholarship to support international students attending CMU. The endowed fund symbolized the Rotarian’s belief that education, and shared culture and language are the best path to diversity and cultural understanding.

In 2016 the Rotary Club of Grand Junction, Horizon Sunrise Rotary Club, Rotary Club of Fruita, Redlands Rotary Club and the Palisade Rotary Club donated funds matched by Rotary District 5470 for $61,000 to assist with the renovation of Rotary Hall.

In February of 2016 the Rotary Club of Grand Junction first brought the Banff Film Festival to Grand Junction. The International Student Admissions and Programs Office, housed in Rotary Hall, was selected as one of three beneficiaries of the event. During the last three years, CMU’s ISAP Office has received $24,000 from Rotary through the Banff Film Festival to help retain and integrate international students on campus and in the community through a variety of programming events and opportunities.

The “E” award certificate celebrates the fact that through the institutions’ international program, CMU is exporting education and intellectual values that creates a better academic capacity worldwide.

“We believe the value of education in a globally connected marketplace will only grow in the future. Continued growth in our international enrollment will remain a point of emphasis now and in the future,” said Tim Foster, President of CMU.

Annie Gingerich, director of International Student Admissions and Programs, applied for the award in 2017 and was pleased to have been selected by the U.S. Department of Commerce for the distinction. “This award is about our international students, the value they add to our campus and community and also the knowledge and skills they return with to their home country. I’m pleased that a number of our international students are with us today to celebrate this honor.”

“Thank you to President Foster for the institutional support of the program and thank you Congressman Tipton and the Rotarians for recognizing the value of international students in higher ed,” concluded Gingerich.