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Mr. GARDNER. Mr. Speaker, tonight I rise to honor the 141st anniversary of the founding of Colorado State University, located in Fort Collins, Colorado.
On February 11, 1870, Colorado Territorial Governor Edward McCook signed the Morrill Act establishing the State Agricultural College in Fort Collins. In its 141 years, Colorado State University has grown to over 26,000 students, 1,400 faculty members, and has become one of the Nation's leading research universities. On average, CSU's research expenditures top $138 million annually.
To this day, Colorado State University still maintains the commitment of a State agricultural college. It provides countless support for promoting economic development throughout the rural communities in Colorado. CSU has over 90,000-plus alumni that live in the State, accounting for nearly $4.1 billion annually in household income for Colorado. The CSU alumni list includes State Governors, business leaders, Olympic gold medalists, teachers, researchers, artists, and even a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
I am proud to call myself a Colorado State alumnus. It is my honor to recognize CSU on the House floor for its 141 years of excellence in education and research.