Colorado State University Names Graduate of the Last Decade

Colorado State University will present the Distinguished Graduate of the Last Decade award to a 1991 graduate in the Construction Management Program and an industry leader.

Jeff Christmann, operations manager for GE Johnson Construction Co., will receive the GOLD award at the annual Distinguished Alumni Awards Program on April 26.

The annual GOLD award recognizes recent graduates for accomplishments that have brought honor to Colorado State.

Christmann, who began working for GE Johnson as a project engineer upon graduation, advanced quickly in his career and now is operations manager with responsibilities that cover half the $200 million portfolio currently performed by the company. The president and CEO of the company noted, "His unique style in identifying the problem and attacking it with solutions is a skill that I attribute to his education at Colorado State University."

Larry Grosse, chairman of the Department of Manufacturing Technology and Construction Management, said that Christmann was a leader among his peers while pursuing his academic career and playing fullback for the Rams, which included a victory in the 1990 Freedom Bowl. "He took great pride in representing the university while he was a student and this same attribute is still strong, even after graduation."

In addition to contributing significant time and energy in support of the university, which includes presenting training workshops, hosting dinners with students and supporting senior recruiting efforts, Christmann is active in industry organizations, community groups and his church.

"Jeff has brought credit to the Construction Management Program and honor to Colorado State University in the 10 years since he graduated from the university," said Nancy Hartley, dean of the College of Applied Human Sciences.