Kiewit Foundation awards $500k to CSC range, ag facility

The new facility, which will include laboratory and arena space, will heighten CSC’s programs for rangeland management, veterinary sciences, wildlife management and rodeo. The programs, which share space with other applied sciences and business programs in the Burkhiser Complex, have developed a strong reputation in agriculturally rich western Nebraska. College officials say the facility will help the programs reach their potential.

“Words can’t express how excited we were to receive this contribution from the Kiewit Foundation,” said Dr. Janie Park, CSC president. “The Kiewit Foundation has generated an immeasurable amount of good with its generosity through the years. Our students and faculty will build upon their tradition of excellence when we construct this facility more suited to study the High Plains region's land, livestock, flora and fauna.”

The facility is part of Vision 2011, Chadron State Foundation’s first-ever multi-million-dollar fundraising campaign designed to position the college for its second century of service. In addition to the rangeland and agriculture facility, the project is raising money for the Events Center construction – an addition and renovation to its aging athletics facility, the Armstrong Physical Education Building. The $11 million campaign is seeking $2 million for each of the capital projects. The remainder of the total will be used for scholarships and the institution’s annual fund.

The Kiewit gift is the second $500,000 donation toward the agriculture facility. It and a gift from an anonymous donor announced in October 2010 are the two largest immediate contributions to the Vision 2011 campaign to date.

“While we are nearing our overall goal of dollars for our campaign, the Chadron State Foundation is still seeking donors to contribute to this effort, especially for our two facility projects,” Park said. “I am excited for the future of this facility, which will be invaluable in training the next generation of ranchers and other professionals the best practices in managing the land, livestock and wildlife of our great region.”

Created from the estate of Omaha community leader and philanthropist Peter Kiewit, the foundation that bears his name has awarded more than $500 million since its creation in 1979. Upon his death, Kiewit committed all of his personal wealth to a trust for charitable endeavors to Omaha and the surrounding region.