“Harrison has been a great supporter and friend of Appalachian State University for many years.”

Dr. Randy Edwards, vice chancellor for university advancement

BOONE, N.C. — During Appalachian State University’s campuswide celebration of International Education Week (IEW) in November, Jigang “Harrison” He, president and CEO of China-based Kestro Cos., was honored as the recipient of the inaugural Appalachian Global Engagement Award.

The Global Engagement Award recognizes individuals whose support of global engagement has resulted in more global learning opportunities for Appalachian students.

Dr. Randy Edwards, vice chancellor for university advancement, presented He with the award at the Global Leadership Awards Luncheon on Nov. 14.

Through his long-standing partnership with the Walker College of Business (WCOB) and his generous support of Appalachian, He has provided global learning opportunities for countless students over the years, Edwards said. In 2003, He served as a visiting executive in the WCOB.

“Harrison has been a great supporter and friend of Appalachian State University for many years. He has hired a number of students for internships with his companies in China and has hosted many dinners in China for delegations from Appalachian,” Edwards said.

He’s daughter, Michelle He ’13 ’15, is a two-time graduate of the WCOB. She holds both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in accounting.

“There are many individuals outside the university who have made significant contributions to support Appalachian’s global engagement efforts,” said Dr. Jesse Lutabingwa, Appalachian’s associate vice chancellor for international education and development. “I am happy that this year we recognized Mr. Jigang ‘Harrison’ He as the first recipient of the Global Engagement Award.”

IEW is organized by Appalachian’s Office of International Education and Development in conjunction with IEW on the national level, a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education.

About the Walker College of Business

The Walker College of Business at Appalachian State University delivers transformational educational experiences that prepare and inspire students to be ethical, innovative and engaged business leaders who positively impact their communities, both locally and globally. The college places emphasis on international experiences, sustainable business practices, entrepreneurial programs and real-world applications with industry. Enrolling nearly 5,000 students, including more than 4,500 undergraduates across 11 majors, the Walker College of Business has the highest full-time undergraduate enrollment in the University of North Carolina System. App State’s Walker College is accredited by AACSB International — the premier global accrediting body for business schools. Learn more at https://business.appstate.edu.

About the Office of International Programs

Appalachian State University combines a strong liberal arts foundation with a comprehensive, pervasive and integrated commitment to global engagement. The Office of International Programs assists App State in fulfilling its global engagement mission by working to develop awareness, knowledge, appreciation and respect of cultural differences — in both domestic and international contexts — in the university’s students, faculty and staff, as well as in the surrounding communities. Learn more at https://international.appstate.edu.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.

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