Horticulture major is Aggie of the Month

Dec. 12, 2018                                      

By Mary Crawford, NCTA News

CURTIS, Neb. – Rebecca Saddler, a second-year student at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis has been named the Aggie of the Month for November.

Saddler, a graduate of Aurora High School, is majoring in horticulture.

The Aggie of the Month was announced by NCTA Dean Ron Rosati.  Saddler will receive a certificate from the Dean’s Office.

“Rebecca is a great student in the classroom, always seeking ways to think about issues in new ways,” said Tee Bush, math and horticulture professor who nominated her student.

“She is open to diverse perspectives and helps guide other students to do the same. Rebecca's attitude toward school and life is appreciated. Her continued involvement has helped her grow as a person and she has been a contribution to the campus community.”

On campus, Rebecca is president of the Horticulture Club, a member of the Safari Club, and participated in intramural volleyball.  She also is a student groundskeeper and works in the campus greenhouse.

“I pull weeds, trim plants and work in the greenhouse during the cold periods, cleaning the fish pond, caring for plants,” Saddler said.

She chose horticulture studies because of her interest in gardening and working with plants. After completing her associate degree program in May, Saddler will transfer to UNL to earn a bachelor’s of science in horticulture.

Independent studies in horticulture have included landscaping and plant propagation.

“The classes are very interesting,” Saddler said. “You learn a lot on how to care for different types of landscapes and best plants suited for the environment, and about propagating plants using different techniques for woody plants, herbaceous plants, bud grafting, and so forth.”

Aggie of the Month students are nominated by faculty and staff for their leadership, academics, campus activities and general representation of the NCTA Aggie culture.

Information on NCTA Aggie programs and academic opportunities can be found at ncta.unl.edu.