[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 146 (Tuesday, September 4, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1188]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              COLORADO MESA UNIVERSITY ``E'' AWARD TRIBUTE

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                          HON. SCOTT R. TIPTON

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 4, 2018

  Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Colorado Mesa 
University for its receipt of the President's ``E'' Award for 2018. The 
``E'' Award is the nation's highest recognition bestowed on those 
making significant contributions toward expanding American exports.
  Institutions of higher education who have received the award are 
often represented by larger, internationally well-known universities. 
With an enrollment of just under 11,000, Colorado Mesa University, 
located in the relatively small city of Grand Junction, Colorado, has 
demonstrated its ability to compete with the biggest and best in the 
nation.
  Through its International Student Admissions and Programs office, 
Colorado Mesa University has steadily increased the number of 
international students enrolled, representing over 30 different 
countries. While completing their studies, these students contribute 
significantly to the local economy, but importantly, they also develop 
local relationships and an appreciation of the many goods and services 
offered from our nation's smaller communities and the small businesses 
that call them home.
  When these students return to their home countries and begin their 
professional careers, those relationships forged during their studies 
can translate into export opportunities for small businesses in Grand 
Junction and many other small communities in America, who, despite 
their rich potential, are all too often overlooked. Colorado Mesa 
University serves an invaluable role in putting Grand Junction, 
Colorado on the international map and creating new and exciting 
opportunities for local businesses.
  Mr. Speaker, Colorado Mesa University has shown that rural America 
and our nation's many wonderful small and mid-size colleges can stand 
shoulder-to-shoulder with their urban and larger counterparts in 
growing American exports. I am honored to recognize their achievement 
of the President's ``E'' Award.

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