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CHARLOTTE, N.C.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--[ Campus Crest Communities, Inc. ] (NYSE:CCG), a leading developer, builder, owner and manager of high-quality, purpose-built student housing under The Grove brand, today announced that its co-founders [ Ted Rollins ], chief executive officer, and [ Mike Hartnett ], chief investment officer, received the 2012 aGreen Company Executive Awarda at the twelfth annual E-3 (Emerald, Entrepreneurial and Excellence) awards ceremony hosted by [ Emerald Asset Management ]. Campus Crest was recognized for its commitment to sustainable building practices including:

"Ted and Mike exemplify the type of strategic thinking and leadership qualities that we look for when evaluating a company for an E-3 award"

• its commitment to alternative energy solutions;
• the implementation of a sustainable lifestyle education program at its properties;
• adopting a more energy efficiency platform at its newest developments;
• and its comprehensive corporate social responsibility platform that includes environmental, social and economic focuses.

The annual E-3 Awards presentation recognizes corporate leaders from both the public and private companies who exemplify entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to excellence. Through an intensive multi-faceted process, Emeraldas team of research analysts and portfolio managers identify corporate leaders who have demonstrated the following: a creative aoutside the boxa approach to corporate achievements; a corporate culture that promotes personal and corporate excellence; and an ability to effectively identify and adapt cutting-edge technologies to position the organization for future success.

Mr. Rollins and Mr. Hartnett commented: aWe are honored to accept this award on behalf of Campus Crest Communities. Our entire organization is focused on coming up with different, creative ways to make positive social, economic and environmental impacts on the communities in which we own and operate student housing properties. Over the past year we have taken a number of proactive steps including partnering with the [ Institute for the Built Environment ] at Colorado State University to come up with innovative ways to make our building products and resident life programs align with our sustainability goals. We are proud of our collective efforts thus far and look forward to continuously refining our building practices to incorporate additional green features.a

aTed and Mike exemplify the type of strategic thinking and leadership qualities that we look for when evaluating a company for an E-3 award,a said Emerald Founder and CEO, Joseph E. Besecker. aIn a relatively short period of time they have responsibly built Campus Crest into one of the nationas largest owners and operators of purpose built student housing. Their recent efforts to become a leader in sustainable student housing are a testament to their innovative spirit and commitment to corporate responsibility. We at Emerald believe their efforts deserved to be recognized.a

The award was presented at the Nineteenth Annual Emerald Groundhog Day Investment Forum held at the Radisson Plaza-Warwick Hotel in Philadelphia on February 7^th, 2012. The event showcased investment opportunities in some of the Mid-Atlantic region's fastest growing companies, as well as industry leaders from across the country.

About Campus Crest Communities, Inc:

Campus Crest Communities, Inc. is a leading developer, builder, owner and manager of high-quality, purpose-built student housing properties located close to college campuses in targeted U.S. markets. The Company is a self-managed, self-administered and vertically-integrated real estate investment trust which operates all of its properties under The Grove brand. The Company owns interests in 33 operating student housing properties containing approximately 6,324 apartment units and 17,064 beds. Since its inception, the Company has focused on customer service, privacy, on-site amenities and its proprietary residence life programs to provide college students across the United States with a higher quality of living.