American Concrete Institute offers solid endorsement to university

The University of Colorado Denver, through the College of Engineering and Applied Science, has been named American Concrete Institute (ACI) Outstanding University for 2010.

The ACI Award for University Student Activities was initiated to recognize universities that have participated in ACI-related activities which include student membership in the American Concrete Institute, participating on ACI committees, and participating in local ACI chapter activities.

More than 40 students from the CU Denver College of Engineering and Applied Science are members of the American Concrete Institute and each semester students are certified by ACI to test concrete.

"We were 1 of 15 universities to receive this award, and I feel this is a true testament to the dedication and quality of our students. This award represents all of their hard work," said Stephan Durham, assistant professor of civil engineering at CU Denver.

"We have created a strong concrete materials program at CU Denver. We are doing research in sustainable concrete materials, performance of concrete mixtures, and pervious concrete. Many of the industries in Colorado have become aware of this," Durham said. "This is a national award and I feel it helps promote the quality of work and quality of undergraduate and graduate students at CU Denver."

CU Denver will be recognized at the ACI's 2011 convention in April in Tampa, Fla., and in an upcoming issue of Concrete International.