Salute to Aggie graduates and students

Salute to Aggie graduates and students

Shayla Woracek, far right, valedictorian of the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture Class of 2019 joins three classmates. (NCTA photo)
Shayla Woracek, far right, valedictorian of the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture Class of 2019 joins three classmates. (NCTA photo)

May 5, 2020

Dean’s Message from Interim Dean Kelly Bruns, Ph.D.

Thursday (May 7) is graduation day at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis.

While we could not hold a public graduation ceremony in Curtis this year with our students, we are saluting them on Thursday with a virtual graduation that is posted on our website at NCTA.UNL.EDU.

The ceremony for the Class of 2020 features messages from our students, University of Nebraska Vice President Mike Boehm, and Aggie Alumni Association President Ann Bruntz of Friend.

University of Nebraska President Ted Carter is providing a thoughtful message to our NCTA students as they prepare to enter the workforce or to continue their education.

Dr. Boehm will present 105 candidates for graduation, some of whom have dual majors or additional certificates added to their associate degrees. In total, we will confer 120 diplomas and certifications on Thursday.

We will be mailing each graduate their mortarboard, tassel and gown, along with their diploma and other memorabilia. On August 1, we are planning an open house for our graduates.

However, this week it is their time to shine. It’s a time for parents and families to gather in viewing the virtual ceremony with their graduate. Or, to make time later in the day, in the evening or on the weekend to view the unique program.

As I have listened to the individually-recorded messages by NCTA faculty to each of the Aggie graduates I am reminded that NCTA is a unique place where each student is recognized for who they are and what they want to become.

Unique place

NCTA is a one-of-a-kind institution and I do not think that this campus and its programming “just happens” to occur.

A truly unique educational experience happens here in Curtis because NCTA is supported by the agriculture industry across the state. Nebraskans and the agricultural employers of this state recognize the school’s importance. They hire our Aggie graduates who become successful individuals and leaders. Successful due to the quality of NCTA’s educational programs and the individual desire to learn, succeed and excel.

Our graduates and alumni are making an impact in the communities where they live. You will find Aggie graduates in veterinary clinics, on ranches, in the fields, and in agriculture businesses. Through the 108-year history of the institution as a residential high school and college, these halls have graduated thousands.

Current records show we have 5,354 living alumni who have graduated from UNSTA and NCTA since the first UNSTA Class of ‘69. Of those, 3,796 alumni live in Nebraska.

A hearty congratulations to each of our graduates in the Class of 2020, and to their families who have supported them greatly in their achievements.

And, to each of Aggies who this week also completed this challenging semester, I say bravo. You did it!

May your experiences this summer be productive and enjoyable as take summer classes, work at your fulltime or part-time jobs, gain new opportunities at college internships, and most especially value the time in working with others in production agriculture. We look forward to seeing you back on campus.

Senior salute 

Graduating high school seniors, congratulations as well. We are scheduling virtual tours of our campus and we are always available to visit with you by phone to answer your questions and assist in your application and enrollment as an NCTA Aggie.

Call 1-800-3-Curtis or our visit website at NCTA.UNL.EDU. 

Congratulations to all graduates.  Go Aggies.

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 numerous 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.

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