NCTA Holds Commencement Ceremonies
CURTIS, NE, MAY 8, 2008: - "Today ends one chapter, but it begins another," stated Coleman Outhet, Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA) Student Senate President, as 2008 Commencement Ceremonies were kicked off on Thursday, May 8, 2008.
115 students from 9 states participated in commencement exercises led by Dean Weldon Sleight. He was joined for this year's event by Regent Robert Phares of North Platte; Mike Johanns, Former United States Secretary of Agriculture; Dr. Don Adams, Associate Dean and Director of the West Central Research and Extension Center; Sue Shaner, Director of Student Services; and Ann Bruntz, Alumni Relations & Development Representative from the University of Nebraska Foundation.
Regent Phares brought greetings from the University of Nebraska administration and the Board of Regents. "You have enriched NCTA with your presence," shared Phares. "We look forward to having you enrich the state of Nebraska."
Max Morris of McCook, an Agriculture Production Systems graduate, was the 2008 valedictorian. He urged his fellow graduates to take the time to thank those who supported them during their academic journey. As a current cow/calf operator and ferrier, Morris added, "I am a better producer, manager, and person because of the NCTA faculty, which are second to none."
Secretary Johanns spoke about education being the "great equalizer". "Who would have thought that a boy from a dairy farm could one day become the Secretary of Agriculture," shared Johanns. "Education allows you to accomplish more than you could ever imagine if you just take advantage of the opportunity."
Johanns commented on how the marketplace is vastly
different from when he graduated from college.
"Your competition isn't just around the corner, it's around the world,"
stated Johanns. "US agriculture
is winning because of US farmers and ranchers."
Secretary Johanns, who also served as the mayor of Lincoln and the 38th governor of Nebraska before his tenure in Washington, left the graduates with straightforward encouragements as he closed. "Show my generation and the next generation the possibilities for the future of agriculture. If you're willing to take a risk and reach out to others, you will be successful," he stated.
Sue Shaner, Director of Student Services, recognized this year's academic award winners. . "Each one of these students needs to be commended on their dedication to their academic careers, which will serve them well in the future," shared Shaner. Achievement recipients have received a 3.75 or higher GPA. This year's Achievement recipients were:
- Lyndi Apolius-Paxton, NE
- Vanessa Bartek -Lincoln, NE
- Amy Beiermann-Columbus, NE
- Sharina Buoy-Bassett, NE
- Bret Dearmont-Bassett, NE
- Laura Kelly-Columbus, NE
- Max Morris-McCook, NE
Dean Sleight also took the opportunity to bestow the degree for Chandra Castle of Olathe, CO, to her parents, Randy and Rhonda Castle, brother Zach, and sister Mandy. Castle, a second year NCTA student, lost her life in a truck accident on January 30, 2008. The Castle family recently endowed a scholarship in Chandra's name, awarded annually to a student or students who best exemplify the personal characteristics of Chandra Castle.
Ann Bruntz of the University of Nebraska Foundation welcomed the graduates into the family of more than 6,000 graduates of NCTA. She encouraged them to remember their dedication to NCTA as the college undergoes a $1 million capital campaign to raise matching funds for the new Education Center on campus.
Upon sending off this year's graduating class, Dean Sleight reminded the graduates that "when you're growing, you're happiest". "Always ask yourself: What can you do for yourself, your family and your community."
