Legacy wall featuring farm families to help complete education center

Rendering of the NCTA education center in Curtis.

The University of Nebraska–Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture campus at Curtis will never be the same again!

This fall, four new facilities — an education center, addition to the veterinary hospital, residence hall and biomass project — are all coming on line for the benefit of all future NCTA students and the Nebraska agriculture organizations who will use the new facilities for meetings, seminars and conferences.

The Nebraska Corn Board was key to the transformation of the NCTA campus through being the first major agriculture organization donor. This donation and continued support for NCTA’s 100 acre farm and other youth ownership programs will make it possible for NCTA to double its enrollment during the next three years. 

Importantly, students attending NCTA learn the art and science of enterprise ownership and be prepared to return to rural Nebraska as partners and eventually owners of farms, ranches and agribusinesses.

The new 27,000 sq. ft. education center features an auditorium, classrooms and laboratories. The agronomy laboratory and a lounge will carry the name of the Nebraska Corn Board — a reminder to  students and other center visitors of the importance of corn to the Nebraska economy.

Sample of a glass tile that will go
in the education center.

Also featured in the new structure will be a Donor Legacy Wall that celebrates the dedication of Nebraska families who built Nebraska farms, ranches and agribusinesses.

A $1,000 donation helps NCTA complete the education center and gives each donor family a tile to display in the center and one to take home. NCTA said the gift is critical to the building project and will create a family keepsake for generations to come.

"The new education center is a fitting place to display the opportunities our parents gave to us to be involved in production agriculture and the commitment we have to preparing our children for the same opportunity," said Conrad Nelson, a corn grower from Wallace. "As an NCTA alumnus, I must say that I am absolutely amazed at all the new programs and buildings being built to support the future generations of farmers and ranchers. There is no question that this wonderful institution will have a major impact on Nebraska agriculture and the rural communities that support it."

A sample of a keepsake tile
for home or business.

NCTA is still taking contributions to help complete the education center and make it the best learning environment it can be for students, and those contributing 1,000 or more allows a logo/photo to appear on a 12x12 inch glass tile adorning a Donor Legacy Wall in the atrium.

In addition to the tile that will hang in the building, donors receive a copy to display in their business or home.

For details, click here or contact Ann Bruntz at abruntz@nufoundation.org or 402-458-1176.