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NCTA one step closer to realizing development goalsNebraska The University of Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture is one step closer to making its campus development project a reality, thanks to the support of the Curtis State Bank and that of the Sunset Haven bondholders. The bank and the bondholders each contributed $50,000 to the project for a total of $100,000 to help fund construction of the NCTA Education Center, which is one of three buildings proposed for the campus. The bank's contribution and that of the Sunset Haven bondholders is an indication of their support for NCTA's proposed project, but also for the school's long-term plans for area economic growth and development. NCTA's goal for the project is to increase enrollment by improving the quality of its student living/learning environment. In addition to the Education Center, George Garlick, a former Curtis native, purchased Sunset Haven, a closed nursing home and assisted living facility, and will convert it to "Aggie West," a state-of-the-art residence hall for students as part of this development effort. This latest contribution is one of several investments Garlick has made to advance the interests of Curtis. "NCTA is visionary in its proposed development project," said John Wilkinson, the bank's president and CEO. "We, as a community, need to stand behind the school's effort to revitalize this area. I am glad we are able to support this important project and I appreciate the many contributions George Garlick has made to this community." The bank's generous donation and that of the bondholders will contribute to the $1 million in private funds needed to complete the Education Center. Key to the overall success of this project is a matched funding requirement established by the state Legislature. State officials have established legislative intent language for $8.7 million and are looking for community backing to move forward. Showing that the community has a vested interest in this project is critical for the long-term success. Should NCTA garner these funds, the Legislature's funding would equal a match nearly nine times that contributed by the community, agricultural community and alumni. Since the Appropriation Committee decision, NCTA has been working to encourage the community to support this vital project. Currently, NCTA administrators and staff are engaging in a campaign to communicate the community impact of this innovative initiative. The new Education Center will provide much needed space for the horticulture and agronomy programs, offer additional space for the Veterinary Technology Systems program, modern classrooms, and will include a student commons space for students to gather between classes and for social activities or special events. According to NCTA Dean Weldon Sleight, "one of the most important elements that will dictate our success as a community is the depth and breadth of our education." By replacing inefficient space that is expensive to maintain and ill-equipped for today's technology-driven learning environment with a state-of-the-art facility designed to address multiple needs, we can attract additional students to the NCTA Curtis campus and hopefully encourage them to remain in the area after college to build businesses of their own." The deadline for obtaining the $1 million in private funds is Dec. 3--just a few short weeks away. NCTA and supporters like the Curtis State Bank encourage the community to contribute to this important project. Wilkinson added, "a contribution today is an investment in this community's future economic growth. I hope people will recognize that this project reflects a larger vision than just the construction of buildings." 12/15/08 Date: 12/10/08 Advertisement
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