It is Official - NCTA has Raised $1Million for New Building
A miracle has happened at NCTA. After six months of meetings, news articles, and radio and TV programs, the college has raised $1 million.
By reaching this milestone, NCTA meets one of several challenges set by the Nebraska Legislature to receive the remaining $8.7 million needed to construct a new education center on campus. The other challenges, which have been met, include adding a new activity center and a new 144-capacity residence hall which will substantially increase the learning environment and quality of living for students.
NCTA Dean Weldon Sleight said it is a miracle that so much as been done in such a short amount of time. He thanked the people of Frontier County and the Curtis community for their vital support and said the success of the campaign is proof of their dedication and generosity toward the college.
"I have never seen a project come together so fast and accomplish so much," said Sleight. "I want everyone in Curtis and throughout the state to know how deeply grateful we are that NCTA will have the facilities it needs to rise to the next level of excellence. The partnerships created through this project will be extremely important to the future of Nebraska agriculture and the rural communities that serve it."
To raise the money in a short amount of time, NCTA turned to some additional partners and entrepreneurial thinking. The critical thinking was done by business and government leaders in Curtis and Dr. George Garlick. Before this creative team completed its work it was determined that NCTA could move its athletic events to the newly completed Curtis Memorial Community Center, making the NCTA gymnasium available to be remodeled into a large student union. This satisfied the need for a new activity center. The final need was for a new residence hall, which Garlick agreed to build under a special agreement with the University of Nebraska.
"I am delighted that George Garlick saw the vision of what we were trying to do. He is truly an amazing individual who wants NCTA and this community to thrive," said Sleight.
Garlick, a former resident of Frontier County, said, "Giving back to this community fulfills a dream that I have held dear. The new community center has opened doors to a brighter future for this town, for the college and the young people living here. What's more, it is my experience that dreams are fulfilled through education and I am honored to be able to support Dr. Sleight's vision for NCTA as well as his dedication to the people of Curtis and Frontier County."
The new education center, which is expected to be completed by May 2011, will be home for the Horticulture and Agronomy programs and will include an auditorium, new classrooms and laboratories critical to NCTA's future growth and development. The new residence hall is expected to be completed by fall 2011. Until then some students will live in Aggie West, which is being renovated by Garlick. The new student housing, coupled with the soon to be completed remodeling that will make the old gymnasium a student union, will give NCTA students some wonderful amenities important to college life.
University of Nebraska President J. B. Milliken said, "I am delighted that the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture has met the $1 million goal required by the state legislature to build the Education Center on the Curtis campus. The donations demonstrate a significant level of individual, business and community support in Curtis and the new facility will make a real difference in the future growth and development of the college."
