Jurgens Scholars in Class of ‘22

By NCTA News

Vanessa Herrera of Lexington and Macy Zentner of Cedar Rapids appreciate the couple who sponsor a memorial scholarship each year at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture.

The two Aggies graduate with the NCTA Class of 2022 Thursday, and for two years were beneficiaries of the Glenn Jurgens Memorial Scholarship sponsored by George and Carole Garlick of Richland, Washington.

“I am forever grateful they chose me as one of the recipients for the Jurgens Scholarship,” said Herrera, graduating with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Veterinary Technology.  It has allowed me to achieve my goal of earning my college diploma.”

Herrera and her brother, Gilbert, both decided to attend college in Curtis partly due to their family and part-time jobs less than an hour away.

Vanessa’s college career involved activities with Student Technicians of Veterinary Medicine Association. Her required 8-week internship was at B & B Veterinary Services in Lexington.

“I learned a lot every day, and before Internship was over, they offered me a job. I have decided to stay (at B & B) and continuing learning!”

Macy Zentner ended her NCTA career as planned, earning two Associate of Applied Science Degrees in Agribusiness Management and Livestock Industry Management plus a certificate in Equine Training. She competed in collegiate shows as a member of the Ranch Horse Team and participated in campus student leadership.

“I will be transferring to Colorado State University in the fall to continue my education, majoring in Animal Science,” she said. “I plan to do online classes while moving back close to my home area and working in agriculture.”

The NCTA academics, a ranching internship, and scholarship opportunities were beneficial throughout her Aggie career, she says.

“It’s been a good fit for me as I love to ride horses, work cattle, and be a part of leadership programs,” Zentner said.

Influence as teacher, mentor

Professor Glenn Jurgens encouraged high school students to attend college. The scholarship in his memory was started by George Garlick, a McCook native who attended the regional high school at Curtis and graduated in 1954.  As a teacher and mentor, Jurgens lined up a work study opportunity for Garlick at Hastings College.

Decades later, after earning his doctorate in electrical engineering, becoming an educator, author, inventor and businessman, Garlick and his wife, Carole, support Aggie students through the University of Nebraska Foundation.

Applications for the $1,000 scholarships are open to students who will be freshmen or sophomores at NCTA this fall. The local committee includes the NCTA Dean’s Office, Pam Jurgens (Glenn’s daughter), and Jon Schroeder, attorney and friend of the Garlicks.

Part of the University of Nebraska system, the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture is a two-year institution with a statewide mission of preparing students for successful careers in agriculture, veterinary technology and related industries. NCTA is known for its affordable tuition, high job-placement rate for its graduates, and for the success of student teams in competitive activities including crops judging, ranch horse events, livestock judging, shotgun sports, stock dog trials, and intercollegiate rodeo. The college is consistently ranked as one of the best two-year schools in the nation.