County Attorney Contributes to Education Center

Jon Schroeder is a fourth generation Frontier County Attorney who has witnessed the changing landscape of rural Nebraska over his lifetime.  He understands the importance for Curtis and the surrounding area of NCTA's campus expansion initiative and what it means for the community's future.  The Schroeder family contributed $3,000 to the project and has been actively soliciting support from local businesses to help NCTA reach its private funding goal.

"NCTA is a valuable asset for Curtis," commented Schroeder.  "We are fortunate to have a university in this community that is committed to this area's development.  We as a community should support the campus expansion and NCTA's vision for growth," said Schroeder.

Area growth and development is the impetus behind NCTA's initiative.  The school is aggressively marketing its entrepreneurial and agribusiness classes which represent key programming that will support careers in rural-based business enterprises in the future.  In addition, the college offers veterinary technology and horticulture programming; two areas that are highly regarded.

Schroeder believes his investment in NCTA's initiative will payoff in the future and that the school's ability to secure the funding required by the state legislature will increase the institution's national recognition.  "The state recognizes the potential for this area or they wouldn't have appropriated the funds," commented Schroeder.  "They need to see that we as a community are committed as well.  That's why state officials are calling for private funds to support this project."

Taking part in NCTA's Fall Mentoring Program,  Schroeder shared his legal expertise with NCTA students participating in the 100 Beef Cow Ownership Advantage Program by providing students with insight on the legal issues related to livestock ownership as well as partnerships within existing ranching operations.  Schroeder remarked, "the work is rewarding, especially given the implications of these classes for the future."

NCTA Dean Weldon Sleight had this to say; "We are grateful for the support of our community members.  Without it we would not be as close to achieving the funding requirement as we are now."

NCTA has successfully raised $850,000 and are only in need of an additional $150,000.  The Nebraska legislature has agreed to fund the majority of the project estimated at $8.7 million but stipulated a matching requirement of $1 million in private funds.  The deadline for contributions is December 31, 2008.