Curtis, Neb. – A Nebraska cattle producer will join University of Nebraska administrators including President Hank M. Bounds in saluting Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture graduates on May 7 at commencement in Curtis.
Bill Rishel, founder of RIshel Angus of North Platte, has mentored dozens of NCTA students over the past decades for internships and ranch employment. He will present the keynote address at the 1:30 p.m. ceremony at the Curtis Memorial Community Center, announced NCTA Dean Ron Rosati.
Rishel and his wife, Barb, have been instrumental as advisors to the ag production and livestock management programs at NCTA. They recently helped launch the new Heifer Link program, which provides a bred heifer to Nebraska students graduating from the 100 Cow Ownership Advantage.
Returning to campus three weeks after his first visit to NCTA’s campus is President Bounds, to be joined by Regent Bob Phares of North Platte and Vice President Ronnie Green of Lincoln. Each will deliver remarks.
“The NCTA community enjoyed becoming acquainted with President Bounds when he spoke with us in mid-April,” said Rosati. “We are looking forward to welcoming him again to NCTA along with families and guests.”
Students and faculty receiving awards, scholarships, graduation recognitions and other honors will be featured at the 2015 Awards Night the preceding evening. The public is invited to attend the 7 p.m. event at NCTA’s Nebraska Agricultural Industry Education Center.
“We are very proud of all our students, and look forward to announcing the salutatorian and valedictorian, as well as honor graduates on May 6,” Rosati said. Also, at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Phi Theta Kappa two-year college scholastic honorary will host initiation of new members.
Graduates from NCTA include two-year students receiving an Associates of Science degree or Associates of Applied Science in majors of agronomy or horticulture, animal science and ag education, agribusiness management or veterinary technology systems.
Certificates will be conferred for the first time for the new irrigation technician program which trains employees for the mechanized irrigation industry, and is hosted in partnership with Reinke Manufacturing of Deshler, Neb.
Additional information about NCTA’s graduation activities on May 6 and May 7 can be gained from Dean Rosati’s office at (308) 367-5200. Also, the NCTA web site at http://ncta.unledu outlines all academic programs and other details about the college.