Date: April 29, 2026 | Issue: April | | |
Best Days of the Year Nearing: Commencement Ceremonies
Dreams will be coming true in May as the Class of 2026 will be recognized in separate Commencement ceremonies in Carson City and Fallon.
The Carson City Commencement is set for 10 a.m. Monday, May 18, at Marv Teixeira Pavilion in Mills Park. A second graduation ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 20, at 3C Event Complex in Fallon.
Family members, friends and community supporters who are unable to attend in person can watch a livestream of the Carson City and Fallon ceremonies at wnc.edu/live. The Nursing program's Pinning Ceremony will also be shown at wnc.edu/live.
Western Nevada College President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe will deliver opening remarks at each ceremony and personally congratulate graduates as they cross the stage, marking a significant milestone in their academic journeys.
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Here's Your Look Ahead!
High School Senior Day at WNC April 30
Bubbly Tea event in the Student Center April 30
De-Stress Fest on Carson campus May 4-7
Cinco de Mayo Celebration May 5
WNMTC presents Come from Away May 8-17
Star Parties at JCDO May 9 and 16
Spring Semester Final Exams May 11-16
Foundation Scholarship Application deadline May 15
Carson Commencement, Nursing Pinning Ceremony May 18
Fallon Commencement May 20
Summer Session begins June 8
NNCC Graduation June 9
Reach for the Stars Moonlight Masquerade Aug. 8
| | ASWN Presents 35 Awards to Students, Faculty and Staff | |
The Associated Students of Western Nevada (ASWN) celebrated excellence across campus during its annual Awards and Appreciation Banquet on April 17 in the Casino Fandango Ballroom, recognizing outstanding achievements by students, faculty and staff.
The event featured the presentation of 35 awards spanning academic programs, leadership, service and campus involvement, highlighting the dedication and accomplishments that define the Western Nevada College community.
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Student Employees Honored during Appreciation Week
Western Nevada College recognized its outstanding student employees as part of 2026 National Student Employment Appreciation Week, April 13-17.
Selected from a strong pool of nominees, this year’s honorees exemplify the dedication, professionalism and impact student workers bring to campus each day.
Leading the group is Overall Student Employee of the Year Dylan Clinger from the President’s Office.
Other honorees are Trina Hoffer, Community Service, Continuing Education; Riley Draper, Diversity & Inclusion, Academic Advising & Access; Jocelyn Olvera Cabral, Leadership, Financial Assistance; Jennifer Arambula, Technology & Innovation, Information Desk; and Melany Martinez, Information Desk, Critical Thinking. Receiving honorable mention are Alyssa Ayers, Cora Beck, Vielka Lopez Mungola and Cecilia Carrillo Villa.
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Nursing Students Take Heavenly Trip to National Conference
Nursing students from WNC recently expanded their professional knowledge and built meaningful connections while attending the National Student Nurses’ Association Annual Convention in Houston, Texas.
Accompanied by nursing instructors Amber Price and Debi Ingraffia-Strong, advisors for the college’s National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA) chapter, 10 WNC students participated in the four-day convention on April 8-11. Student attendees included Luz Saldana-Alamillo, Emily Jaeger, Britt St. Gildark, Jocelyn Olvera Cabral, Shannon Gillham, Guadalupe DeSantiago, Avarie Ramsey-Kruse, Aubrey Rosky, Jade Woffinden and Melanie Weston.
| | | Campagni Auto Group, Carson City Toyota Accelerate Career Pathways for Auto Mechanics Students | |
Strong partnerships between education and industry are helping students at Western Nevada College turn career dreams into reality. Among the college’s most impactful community partners is Campagni Auto Group, including Carson City Toyota, whose continued support is creating meaningful opportunities for aspiring automotive technicians.
Through its ongoing commitment to workforce development and student success, the Campagni Auto Group recently awarded $5,000 in scholarships to Western Nevada College students pursuing associate degrees and careers in automotive mechanics. The scholarships help remove financial barriers and allow students to focus on building the technical knowledge and hands-on experience needed to thrive in today’s automotive industry.
The 2025-26 Dick Campagni Automotive Scholarship recipients are Michael Brito, Aidan Bullock, Luis Cardona, David King, Nestor Lopez, Erik Pedraza and Dakota Reed.
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Tuttle, Hanzlik Recognized
by Carson City School District
Congratulations to Kendra Tuttle and Rebecca Hanzlik!
WNC’s Early Childhood Education instructor and student are standing out in their education ventures outside of the college.
Kendra Tuttle, our ECE instructor, was recently honored as the Carson City School District’s Educator of the Year. Tuttle is teaching The Exceptional Child and Preschool Practicum: Early Childhood Lab this semester at WNC.
Hanzlik, an ECE student at WNC, was recognized as the Education Support Professional Employee of the Year.
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Make Plans to Attend, Support WNCF's Moonlight Masquerade
Step into an evening of elegance, intrigue, and impact at Moonlight Masquerade, Western Nevada College Foundation’s premier black-tie fundraiser in support of student success.
Join us Aug. 8 at 6 p.m. on the WNC Carson City campus for a night that sparkles with purpose.
This signature WNC marquee event brings together community leaders, alumni, and supporters for fine dining, live and silent auctions, captivating entertainment, and an unforgettable night of elegance and impact.
Every detail of the evening is designed to celebrate achievement while raising critical support for academics.
Seating is limited and this highly anticipated event is expected to sell out. Businesses and community partners are also invited to explore exclusive sponsorship opportunities, offering prominent recognition and alignment with one of the region's most celebrated events.
| | | Student Art Shows Feature Unbounded Creativity | |
Western Nevada College’s Student Art Shows on the Carson City and Fallon campuses opened on April 20. The Carson City show is April 20 through May 7 in the Bristlecone Gallery.
The collection will include 2-D artwork (paintings, drawings, prints) and 3-D work (sculpture) from enrolled students of WNC. A reception for the students is scheduled for May 7 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
The Fallon campus show runs through May 14 in the Virgil Getto Hall Gallery.
| | | Western Nevada Musical Theatre Company's Production of
'Come From Away' Brings to Life Touching Stories from 9/11 | |
In the days following one of the darkest moments in American history, something remarkable happened. Thousands of airline passengers, stranded and far from home, found themselves in a small town in Newfoundland, Canada. What could have been a story of fear and uncertainty instead became one of compassion, generosity and human connection. Strangers became neighbors. Differences faded. Kindness took center stage.
Those powerful, real-life moments are brought to life in WNMTC's production of “Come From Away,” a moving musical that captures the heart of 9/11 through stories that will stay with you long after the curtain falls.
Performances will take place at the Carson City Community Center:
• May 8, 14, 15, 16 at 7 p.m. (with a newly added Thursday evening show)
• May 9 and 10 at 5 p.m.
• May 9, 10, 16 and 17 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $28/$25, plus a $5 ticketing fee.
| | | Kids College Offers Summer Camps Focused on Leadership and Active Learning | |
Western Nevada College's Continuing Education program is providing engaging summer opportunities for youth through its Kids College program, featuring camps that promote leadership development and active, hands-on learning.
One of the featured programs, iLead, is designed for students who want to build confidence and strengthen leadership skills. Through outdoor exploration, team-building activities and interactive learning, participants develop decision-making abilities in a supportive environment. Led by an experienced educator, the camp emphasizes small group sizes to ensure a high-quality experience. iLead sessions will be held June 22-26 and July 6-10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Western Nevada College Carson City campus.
In addition, WNC is partnering with Skiing is Believing to offer a high-energy sports camp that encourages kids to stay active, try new activities and build friendships. Campers will explore a variety of sports and participate in community-focused experiences throughout the summer.
Sessions are scheduled for June 8-12, June 29-July 3, July 13-17 and July 27-31, with single-day registration options available for added flexibility. Scholarships are also available through Skiing is Believing for families with financial need. For more info or to register, contact Continuing Ed at (775) 445-4210 or conted@wnc.edu.
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Donors, Scholarship Recipients Honored in We Are Western
The Foundation's 2026 We Are Western Scholarship Appreciation & Recognition Magazine is now available in the Presidential wing in front of the Foundation office in Bristlecone. The magazine recognizes scholarship donors and their scholarship recipients.
Within the magazine are intriguing stories such as a student discovering a love of education after 20 years in the military, a couple of alumnae who have transformed a local business into a spirited hot spot, the college’s nursing expansion to meet growing workforce needs, a lifelong learner earning a “backwards” degree to fuel his career path, and more.
| | | Congratulations! ASWN Announces 2026-27 Officers, Senators | |
Western Nevada College’s student government team will provide continuity and experience for the 2026-27 school year.
Karla Salas Dominguez is returning as the Associated Students of Western Nevada (ASWN) president following a student election this spring. Jacob Haire is also back for his second term as vice president.
Returning as senators are Alessandra Sandoval and Maximum Dillwith. Newly elected senators are Meirra Cavanaugh, Sarai Chicas, Luis Guzman, Valeria Martinez De La Cruz and Denmarc Williams.
ASWN is composed of student leaders from WNC’s Carson City and Fallon campuses who are steadfast in making the student experience better. Students interested in learning more about ASWN or becoming involved, phone 775-445-3324 or email ASWN@wnc.edu.
| | | Apply for 2026-27 Foundation Scholarships by May 15 | |
The Western Nevada College Foundation 2026-27 scholarship final application deadline was extended to May 15, offering students additional time for the tremendous opportunity to receive financial support for their educational journey at WNC.
Each year, the WNC Foundation awards more than 250 scholarships, distributing more than $870,000 to students across a wide range of academic programs and fields of study. The scholarships are available to new, returning, part-time and full-time students, and many recipients qualify for more than one award through a single application.
| | | Register Now for Summer Session, Fall Semester Classes | |
Prospective, continuing and returning students can register for Western Nevada College’s Summer 2026 and Fall 2026 classes.
The first step for new students to attend WNC is to enroll in the college at wnc.edu/admissions.
To learn more about the enrollment process, visit wnc.edu/starthere.
Continuing students can use their myWNC accounts to register for the Fall 2026 semester, as well as summer session.
| | | Earth Day Event Promotes Sustainability and Creativity | |
What an amazing Earth Day celebration on April 22 at the Dini Student Center!
Thank you to the Associated Students of Western Nevada and everyone who joined the celebration for a day full of creativity, connection and sustainability. From building custom biomes to painting pots and planting greenery, the energy was incredible all day long.
Fresh salads and sweet treats from Yogurt Beach made it even better! It was inspiring to see our campus community come together to celebrate Earth Day and the movement that continues to shape a healthier planet for all.
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Students Build Confidence, Career Skills at Workshop with Nationally Recognized Speaker
Students, faculty and staff at Western Nevada College gained valuable insight into communication and career readiness during a dynamic workshop led by nationally recognized speaker Dr. Jessica Houston on April 23.
Dr. Houston presented “Communicate with Confidence: Standing Out in Career Conversations” at Carson Nugget Hall, offering practical strategies to help students strengthen one of the most essential skills for career success — effective communication.
Recognized by Real Leaders as one of the Top 50 speakers in the world, Dr. Houston brought a wealth of experience from working with Fortune 500 companies, universities and global conferences. Her interactive session focused on building confidence, developing communication strategies and helping students stand out in professional environments.
| | | ASWN Event Brings Law Enforcement Officers to Student Center | |
The Student Center was vibrant on March 31 as the Associated Students of Western Nevada (ASWN) presented Burgers & Badges. Students, faculty and staff connected with local police officers, including Sheriff Kenny Furlong, during this special event honoring those who serve our community.
Attendees enjoyed lunch from U.S. Sub Base and refreshing Dirty Sodas — all while engaging in great conversation and fun. Activities included games that simulated the effects of impairment, as well as corn hole. Students also visited with the K-9 unit and therapy dogs.
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Campus Savors Eggstravaganza
It was an egg-cellent event — the Associated Students of Western Nevada made sure of that! From hunting for prize-filled eggs to painting their own Easter bunnies and picking up baskets full of goodies, WNC students made the most of this year’s Egg-stravaganza on April 2 in the Dini Student Center. Add in a delicious Chick-fil-A breakfast and Big Chicken lunch — and it was a day full of fun, connection and celebration.
A big thank you to ASWN for organizing such a memorable event and delivering baskets across campus!
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Higher Education Planning Guide Now Available
Copies of WNC's Fall 2026-Summer 2027 Academic Program Guide are now available on the Carson City and Fallon campuses.
The 60-page guide includes course requirements for degrees and certificates, as well as online degrees and transfer pathways and requirements.
The guide also includes information for BEST programs, Credit for Prior Learning, Dual Enrollment and Credit, Learning and Innovation, College & Career Readiness, The Link (Community, Career and Employer Center), ASWN, Foundation scholarship opportunities, Continuing Education, ROADS, and campus resources.
| | | CDC, Healthy Campus Committee Deliver Powerful Message | |
A small symbol with a powerful message was delivered by WNC's Child Development Center (CDC) and the Healthy Campus Committee in early April. A gentle breeze set pinwheels spinning as children at the CDC helped plant a Pinwheel Garden in honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
The College Community, including WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe, participated.
Each pinwheel represents hope, healthy futures, and the importance of protecting children. Staff and attendees also wore blue in recognition of Go Blue Day, showing support for child abuse prevention.
Together, we’re raising awareness, and we all play a role in protecting children.
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JCDO Provides Artemis Mission Presentation after Splashdown
The first Star Party in April at Jack C. Davis Observatory turned its focus from faraway planets to one of the most exciting space missions of our time — Artemis II.
Observatory Director Dr. Thomas Herring shared images and video from the mission and provided insight into what’s next for NASA’s Artemis program.
The timing was perfect, as the Artemis II crew returned to Earth just one day prior, splashing down off the coast near San Diego.
Upcoming Star Parties are scheduled for May 9 and 16. The community is invited at no cost.
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Local Attorney Shares Complexities of Immigration Law with Class
WNC students gained valuable real-world insight as immigration attorney Cristina M. Hughes visited Dr. John Duerk’s American Politics class on April 7. Drawing on 15 years of experience, Hughes discussed the complexities of immigration law, the structure of the court system and the importance of persistence when navigating legal processes. She also shared what inspired her career — a passion for problem-solving, helping others and learning about different cultures.
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Academic Writing Coach Touches on Essence of Writing in Podcast
If you haven’t been following WNC’s podcasts, you’ve been missing out. As they did during fall semester, Wildcat Connection hosts Joshua Fleming and Ryan Johnson have continued spotlighting teaching, learning and the educators who are making it happen on their enlightening podcasts during spring semester.
In a recent episode of Wildcat Connection, Joshua interviews Academic Writing Coach Robert "Bob" Drews, who helps students with writing in all of their classes. He shares the essence of writing, lived experiences that help with the process, and his various experiences in journalism.
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Carson City Chamber Leadership Group Visits Campus
WNC was proud to welcome the Carson City Chamber Leadership Institute (CCCI) to campus on April 8.
Now in its 36th year, the program provides local leaders with a deeper understanding of our community — and their visit to WNC highlighted how the college is preparing students for today’s and tomorrow's workforce. The group heard from Vice President Dr. Dana Ryan about WNC’s evolving role in supporting students and businesses, along with updates on The Link, student employment and credit for prior learning.
Participants also toured Workforce, Career and Technical Education facilities, including Welding, Manufacturing and Construction — and even built a birdhouse!
This year’s CCCI cohort, which includes WNC’s own Jim Feser and Cynthia Pierrott, is focused on a community project to enhance Governor’s Field.
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