Sheldon, Iowa — Northwest Iowa Community College (NCC) has received some funding from a construction and mining firm. 
NCC officials say the money came from MDU Resources Group Incorporated, and will support the construction of the new Applied Technologies building on NCC’s campus and will provide scholarships to students in the construction industry.
They tell us MDU has made a pledge to donate $50,000 to the new Applied Technologies building on NCC’s campus. In addition to these dollars, MDU will be giving $3,000 a year in the form of two scholarships to students who are enrolled in NCC’s Heavy Equipment Operation and Maintenance or Diesel Technology programs. All of these funds will count towards the campaign total for NCC’s “Everyone Knows Someone Who Chose NCC” fundraising campaign.
MDU, a construction and utilities company based out of Bismarck, ND, is the parent company of Knife River Corporation and Jebro, Inc. Knife River mines aggregates and markets crushed stone, sand, gravel and related construction materials. It also performs integrated contracting services. Jebro, Inc. works with asphalt sales. The students who graduate from NCC’s Heavy Equipment Operation and Maintenance Program and the Diesel Technology program have the skills that companies like Knife River and Jebro need to continue to grow in the construction field.
Ron Hall, Vice President/General Manager of the Midwest Division of Knife River, is excited about the partnership. Hall states “Knife River/Jebro and MDU Resources are excited to be able to partner with Northwest Iowa Community College in their Heavy Equipment and Diesel Mechanic programs. We believe these are very important programs as they bring well-trained and educated workers to our industry. We look forward to continued involvement with the college.”
The new Applied Technologies Building on the Northwest Iowa Community College campus is currently being built, with an estimated completion of fall 2016.
