Date: April 29, 2025 | Issue: April | | |
The Best Is Yet to Come: Graduation Day Times Two
Western Nevada College commencement ceremonies will be here before you know it! The Class of 2025 will be honored in May in separate ceremonies in Carson City and Fallon.
The Carson City Commencement is set for 10 a.m. Monday, May 19, at Marv Teixeira Pavilion in Mills Park.
A second graduation is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 21, at Barkley Theatre in Oats Park Arts Center in Fallon.
WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe will be well-positioned on the stage to congratulate each graduate.
“As an educator, commencement is always my favorite time of year. It’s a celebration of hard work, perseverance, and the deep pride our students and their families feel in reaching this milestone,” said WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe.
WNC Foundation Board Trustee Lupe Ramirez, a WNC grad and the creator of the Latino Cohort and Latino Leadership Academy, will deliver the commencement address at both ceremonies. After a 32-year career in higher education, Ramirez is now serving as president of the Carson City School District Board of Trustees.
“Over the years, Lupe has been an incredible role model for our students and her hard work has made WNC a better place for them,” said WNC Chief Advancement Officer and Foundation Executive Director Niki Gladys.
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Here's Your Look Ahead!
Student Art Show in Bristlecone Gallery Through May 8 (reception May 8)
Fallon Student Art Show opens April 28 (reception on May 15)
Senior Day (high school students tour WNC) May 1
Blood Drive May 1
Star Parties at Jack C. Davis Observatory May 3 and 24
The Link official grand opening May 8
WNMTC's production of "The Sound of Music" May 9-18
DeStress Fest May 12-15
Spring Semester Finals May 12-17
Commencement Ceremonies May 19 (Carson) and 21 (Fallon)
Nursing Pinning Ceremony May 19
Memorial Day May 26
2nd Round of Foundation Scholarship Application Deadline June 2
Summer Session starts June 9
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Fallon, Carson City Campuses Hosting Student Art Shows, Artist Receptions
Just when you thought spring semester couldn't get any better, the Student Art Shows have arrived. Students on WNC's Carson City and Fallon campuses have contributed to two different exhibits.
The Carson City campus exhibit is showing through May 8. The Bristlecone gallery is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. A reception is scheduled for May 8 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
In Fallon, the Student Art show opened Monday, April 28, in Virgil Getto Art Gallery. A reception for the artists is planned on May 15 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
| | | WNMTC Presenting 'The Sound of Music' on May 9-18 | |
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s most beloved masterwork, “The Sound of Music,” has captivated audiences for 60 years. The winner of multiple Tony and Academy Awards is being presented by Western Nevada Musical Theatre Company in May.
Performances are scheduled on weekends from May 9-18. Shows start at 7:30 p.m. on May 9, 10, 16 and 17. Matinee showings are at 2 p.m. on May 11, 17 and 18 at the Carson City Community Center. Tickets cost $25 and $28 and can be purchased at wnmtc.com. If you need assistance in purchasing tickets, phone 775-445-4253 on Monday through Thursday.
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College for Kids Program Offers Something for Everyone
WNC is excited to announce the return of its popular summer kids' camps, providing a fun and enriching experience for children ages 8-14. The "College for Kids" program will offer six total weeks of dynamic camps with something for everyone!
In partnership with Skiing is Believing, a multi-disciplinary sports camp will be offered June 23-27, July 14-18, July 21-25 and August 11-15.
iLead, a camp combining outdoor exploration with team building and decision-making exercises, is set for July 14-18 and July 21-25, and led by camp director Rayce Malmed, a local teacher with the expertise to foster creativity, appreciation and empathy.
| | | Fire Collides with Ice at the Reach for the Stars Gala | |
Join us for an extraordinary evening where passion meets elegance and warmth collides with cool sophistication at the eighth annual Reach for the Stars Gala, presented by the Western Nevada College Foundation on Saturday, Aug. 2. This year’s theme, Fire & Ice, promises a dazzling night of contrasts — where bold energy and refined grace come together for an unforgettable experience at the Carson City campus.
Become a sponsor and make a lasting impact! Sponsorship opportunities range from $1,000 to $10,000, offering businesses and individuals the chance to showcase their support for education and community enrichment.
Secure your place today! Tickets are available at $200 per person, $380 per couple, or $1,500 per table of eight. For event sponsorships and ticket purchases, contact the WNC Foundation Office at 775-445-3240 or visit wnc.edu/reach.
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NSHE Appoints New Chancellor
The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents appointed Matt McNair as the next Chancellor following a national search.
As Chancellor, McNair will serve as the chief executive officer of NSHE, working closely with the Board and institutional presidents to support students, strengthen communities and help guide the future of higher education across the state.
McNair will assume the role of Chancellor, succeeding Interim Chancellor Patricia Charlton, who has led the Nevada System of Higher Education since September 2023. He will start serving NSHE on June 1.
| | | Secretary of State Visits Students in History Class | |
Nevada Secretary of State Francisco "Cisco" Aguilar visited with students in Dr. John Duerk's Survey of U.S. Constitutional History class on April 16.
Aguilar, who has served Nevada in this position for two-plus years, discussed entrepreneurship, voting, voter fraud, some of his bills, working with tennis legends Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi, a field trip to Estonia to learn about its experiences with digital voting, and more. Students peppered the Secretary of State with questions, and even asked if there were employment openings in his office.
Members of WNC student government group, the Associated Students of Western Nevada (ASWN), also were in attendance. ASWN President Catalina Wilson had her picture taken with Aguilar, who served as student body president while attending the University of Arizona.
| | | ASWN Honors Students, Faculty and Staff | |
It was a memorable night for Western Nevada College students on Friday, April 18.
WNC’s student government group, the Associated Students of Western Nevada (ASWN), honored the best of the best at its annual Awards & Appreciation Reception in Casino Fandango’s Grand Ballroom.
Students, faculty and staff were recognized for their contributions in academics, instruction, leadership and service during the 2024-25 school year.
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WNC Renews Partnership with SkillUp, A Key Resource for Job Seekers
Students and community members rely on WNC for resources to enhance their educational and professional careers. WNC has another tool in its tool chest to help individuals: SkillUp. This career-driven platform assists and supports job seekers as they explore employment opportunities.
This partnership with SkillUp has enabled WNC to provide direct coaching services, guiding students to training programs and classes through the college, as well as other institutions. Fortunately for WNC’s students and community, Western’s partnership with SkillUp will continue into the future.
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WNC Approved to Offer Pell Grants
to Incarcerated Students
Western Nevada College has been approved by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to offer Pell Grants, a form of federal financial aid, to incarcerated students under the regulations approved in July 2023. WNC is the first college in the state to receive approval under these new federal regulations.
News of this new opportunity for incarcerated students prompted KOLO 8 News in Reno to visit WNC to provide its own story.
| | | Students' Research of Pinyon Jay Published | Over the past two years, Liberal Arts and Science Instructor Robin Eppard oversaw 11 students in their study of the Pinyon Jay and its habitat near Topaz Lake on the southern end of Douglas County. Now, they have published this comprehensive study at Wild Oat Mountain, which included Geographic Information System (GIS), topography, dendrology, soils, microbiome, pathogens, vegetation, organisms, taxonomy, ecology and land use. | | | Dobson's Venture into Adult Education Changes Life | |
Scott Dobson attended classes with College & Career Readiness at Western Nevada College from April 2023 until June 2024. During this time, he successfully passed all sections of the HiSET high school equivalency exam and earned the Nevada Certificate of High School Equivalency.
Upon completion, Scott expressed a strong interest in continuing his education through WNC’s Automotive Technology program. He was connected with our Career Services specialist, who helped him transition into college, and he is now thriving as a WNC student.
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Student Guide for Future Higher Education Planning Available
Hard copies of WNC's Fall 2025-Summer 2026 Academic Program Guide are now available on the Carson City and Fallon campuses. The 60-page guide includes courses requirements for degrees and certificates, and information about 15 program pathways. The guide also includes information for Continuing Education, ROADS, Career Services, College & Career Readiness, ASWN, Foundation scholarship opportunities and campus resources.
| | | Registration for Fall Semester, Summer Session Open | |
With the opening of enrollment for Summer 2025 and Fall 2025 courses, individuals can change the rest of their lives!
If you haven't enrolled in the college yet, go to wnc.edu/admissions.
Students can make an advising appointment at wnc.edu/advising, or by phoning 775-445-3267 (Carson City) or 775-445-3379 (Fallon).
All students should also apply for WNC Foundation scholarships at wnc.edu/scholarships.
Summer session begins June 9 and ends on Aug. 2. Fall semester starts on Aug. 25.
For more information, phone 775-445-3277.
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Donors, Scholarship Recipients Celebrated in We Are Western Magazine
The Foundation's 2025 We Are Western Scholarship Appreciation & Recognition Magazine is now available in the Presidential wing in front of the Foundation office in Bristlecone. This year's magazine includes a list of all scholarships and their scholarship recipients, as well as stories about the new Bus Scharmann Scholarship, Dr. Winnie Kortemeier's rock sales creating an endowed scholarship, new scholarships, and NV Energy and Wells Fargo investing in students' futures.
| | | History Students Meet with City's Planning Manager Hope Sullivan | Western Nevada College's History 111 class had a special session with Hope Sullivan, Community Development Director for Carson City Government, diving deep into City zoning, development and planning on April 14. Professor Dr. John Duerk hosted the informative session so students could have a better understanding of the city's growth and future plans, and provide them with civic engagement. | | | | |
University Police Department Provides Students with Alcohol Awareness Day
University Police Department (Northern Command) and the Associated Students of Western Nevada presented an Alcohol Awareness Day on April 22 on the Carson City campus. The three-hour event included victim advocacy information, an opportunity to create personal drink counter bracelets, pizza, and goggles simulating intoxication that students used to play beer pong and pool.
Madison Eifert, Community Relations & Support Services specialist for UPD Northern Command, and interns Emma Lawson and Alexandra Saldana provided resources and support for the event.
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Scholarship Established in Name of 'Champion of WNC'
For more than five decades, Harry “Bus” Scharmann dedicated his life to education, public service, and the betterment of rural Nevada. As a steadfast advocate for Western Nevada College, Scharmann was best known as the “Champion of Western Nevada College,” ensuring students in rural communities had access to the opportunities they deserved. Now, in honor of his tireless commitment, WNC has established the Bus Scharmann Scholarship, a lasting tribute to the man who helped shape the college’s future and changed countless lives along the way.
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Missed Taco 'Bout Scholarships Event? Students Have Until June 2 to Apply
Free money for education and free tacos brought students and parents to Dini Student Center for Taco ‘Bout Scholarships on April 10. WNC Foundation provided this help session for students applying for 2025-26 scholarships.
Students must submit their application by the second-round deadline on June 2. Applicants are eligible for 250 scholarships and can receive more than one.
For students who didn’t attend the help session and need assistance filling out the scholarship form at wnc.edu/scholarships, please contact Development Coordinator Elizabeth Bennett-Doran at 775-445-4261 or email her at elizabeth.bennett-doran@wnc.edu.
| | | E.L. Cord Auto Shop Hosts SkillsUSA State Finals | |
Nevada high school students competed on April 9 at WNC’s E.L. Cord Automotive Technology Center for the opportunity to become one of 6,500 state champions from across the United States in 114 skilled and leadership events.
WNC Automotive Mechanics Instructors Alex Street and Sunshine Haupt hosted the event with assistance from some of the college's industry partners.
Scott Dobson, a second-semester WNC student, became the college's first representative in the state finals in approximately 15 years, placing fourth out of 20 competitors in the maintenance and light repair finals.
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College Learns About Donating Life While Enjoying Dogs, Donuts
The WNC community learned how to become an everyday hero while enjoying several four-legged companions and donuts on April 22 in the Bristlecone Building.
The Nevada Donor Network and the University Police Department (Northern Command) presented “Dogs, Donuts and Donate Life” to raise awareness for organ donation and to celebrate the gift of life.
Individuals can register as an organ, eye and tissue donor at nvdonor.org/unrpd.
For more information, go to nvdonor.org.
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Volunteers Beautify Campus with Earth Day Project
The Healthy Campus and Environment Committee and volunteers celebrated Earth Day the day after by cleaning up the planter box in front of Bristlecone main entrance and planting new flowers. The group also added some color to the planter boxes in the Rotary Plaza.
Their efforts have made our campus brighter and more beautiful than it already is!
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