Colorado State University’s Alumni Association Gives Henry Award to Lifelong Supporter

The Colorado State University Alumni Association will present the Jim and Nadine Henry Award to a lifelong Ram fan and supporter of the university’s academic and alumni programs.

Ren Jensen will receive the award at the annual Distinguished Alumni Awards on April 26. The award is given to a recipient who exemplifies extraordinary service to Colorado State and its academic, athletic and alumni programs. A fellow Alumni Association Board member wrote of Jensen: "Ren has served in every possible leadership position in alumni relations, athletics and academics…Ren is always there to make a phone call, write a letter, send a donation or just give good advice."

After earning his bachelor’s degree in physical education in 1959 from Colorado State, Jensen began his 42-year career in the steel industry. As vice president of Valley Steel and Wire Co., he serves on the North American Steel Committee, is co-chair of the SSCI Chapter Development Committee and chapter liaison for the SSCI Legislative Affairs Committee.

As a Colorado State supporter, Jensen spearheaded the committee that created the 1870 Club, an organization of alumni and friends who give $1,870 or more annually. For 10 years, he was the steering committee chairman for the club. He currently serves as one of five steering committee members for the new 1870 Club Initiative, an effort aimed at increasing the member numbers.

Jensen has been a key member of the Alumni Association Board, the Colorado State University Development Council and the board of directors for CSU Foundation. He served on the College of Applied Human Sciences External Advisory Board for 10 years and on the College of Agriculture Vocational Agriculture Education Advisory Board for four years. Over the years, Jensen served on search committees that brought several strong leaders to Colorado State-including a new president, vice president for development and CSU Foundation CEO.

As a Colorado State student, Jensen lettered in basketball for three years and served as an intramural official. Decades later, Jensen still is avid about supporting Colorado State athletics. His service to the Athletic Department has ranged from his role as a founding member of the Former Athletes Association to his membership in the Ram Club, Roundball Club and Touchdown Club. Jensen served on the Ram Booster Board from 1986-92 and as a member of the Athletic Facilities Campaign Committee from 1994-99. He’s also served as on search committees for athletic director and basketball coaches.

Jensen and his wife, Sharon, live in Fort Collins.