Monthly news & updates

Date: Dec. 20, 2024 | Issue: December

giphy image that says Happy Holidays from Western Nevada College

Western Nevada College: A Year in Review – 2024

As 2024 comes to an end, Western Nevada College (WNC) celebrates a year of student achievements, community partnerships, and educational excellence. Here’s a look back at some of the year’s most clicked stories for each month on WNC's news site:

December

Scholarship Opportunities for Early Childhood Educators

WNC announced expanded scholarship opportunities for Spring 2025 to support students pursuing early childhood education, showcasing the college's commitment to nurturing the next generation of educators.

November

WNMTC Presents Legally Blonde

The Western Nevada Musical Theatre Company dazzled audiences with its fall production of Legally Blonde, showcasing the incredible talent of local performers and enriching the community's cultural life.

October

Golf for Education Tournament

The annual Golf for Education Tournament raised funds for student scholarships and college programs, emphasizing WNC's mission to make higher education accessible to all.

September

Exploring Lake Tahoe's Legacy

Dr. Winnie Kortemeier captivated audiences: Through her radiometric dating of rocks and examining the basalt that has interacted with the water of Lake Tahoe, Dr. Kortemeier has determined that the lake is at least 2.3 million years old.

August

CDC Voted Best of Carson for the 7th Year

The WNC Child Development Center was recognized as the best in Carson City for the seventh consecutive year, underscoring its reputation for providing exceptional care and education.

July

WNC Students Attend Climate Conference

Students participated in a Washington, D.C., climate conference, supported by Foundation scholarships, reflecting WNC’s dedication to fostering global awareness and sustainability.

June

Spring 2024 Dean’s List

WNC celebrated the academic success of its students, with more than 350 individuals earning spots on the Spring 2024 Dean’s List.

May

Honoring the Class of 2024

WNC’s commencement ceremony celebrated graduates’ accomplishments and perseverance, highlighting the diversity and determination of the Wildcat community.

April

SkillsUSA Automotive Excellence

WNC students excelled at the SkillsUSA competition, demonstrating top-tier skills in automotive mechanics and representing the college with pride.

March

A Scholarship Fit for a Wildcat

The debut of the Willy Wildcat Mascot Scholarship honored student Addison Hopkins for his contributions to campus spirit, reinforcing WNC's commitment to recognizing unique achievements.

February

Montanucci Memorial Scholarship

WNC Foundation honored the inspirational life of Fallon Montanucci by awarding a memorial scholarship to a deserving student who embodies her spirit, resolve and ambition.

January

Krysta Palmer: From WNC Grad to World Stage

Alumna Krysta Palmer’s achievements at the World Aquatics Championships inspired the WNC community, proving that Wildcats can reach remarkable heights.


Looking Ahead to 2025

As WNC closes a successful 2024, we look forward to building on these milestones, empowering students, and enhancing our community. Thank you to everyone who made this year exceptional! For more news and updates, visit wnc.edu/news.

Here's Your Look Ahead!

Winter Session Accelerated Classes Dec. 16-Jan. 17 and Dec. 30-Jan. 17

Merry Christmas! (college closed) Dec. 25

Happy New Year! (college closed) Jan. 1

Upcoming Star Parties at JCDO Jan. 4, Jan. 25 and Feb. 1

Anne Hoff's "Desert Whispers" exhibit officially opens Jan. 6

Martin Luther King Day (college closed) Jan. 20

Spring Semester begins Jan. 21

WNMTC's "Celebrate the Magic," Feb. 21-23

Nursing Job Fair Feb. 25


GET INVOLVED

WNC to Premiere TO DYE FOR Documentary on Jan. 10

Western Nevada College invites you to the Premiere Party of To Dye For: The Documentary at the Brewery Arts Center on January 10! Doors open at 5 p.m.

To Dye For: The documentary is the first film to reveal the hidden dangers of synthetic dyes in the U.S. market. Featuring WNC's faculty Dr. Rebecca Bevans and WNC alumni Alex Bevans, this documentary combines personal storytelling, sharp scientific insights, and stunning visuals for an eye-opening experience.

Did you know? WNC students are diving deeper into this topic through a related research project, making this a true community effort!

A portion of ticket sales will support Western Nevada College and the PSY Club.

Don’t miss this inspiring and impactful event — get your tickets now and be part of the change! 

Get Tickets

WNC Foundation Unveils Stunning 2024 Notecards: Celebrate Creativity and Community

Western Nevada College Foundation invites you to be inspired by this year’s spectacular notecard collection — a vibrant celebration of creativity and learning that directly supports student scholarships and college programs.

This year’s notecards highlight four unique offerings from WNC’s Continuing Education program: book sculptures, international travel, astrophotography and the Swiss Alphorn. Each of the five notecards features mesmerizing images that capture the spirit of these courses, showcasing the opportunities for enrichment and discovery available at WNC.

Read More
STUDENT NEWS

Pennington CTE Scholarship Supports Pursuit of High-Demand Careers

The William N. Pennington Foundation Career and Technical Scholarship is designed to support students pursuing careers in fields that are in high demand among local employers. Students seeking an Associate degree or certificate in the following degree and/or certificate programs should apply: Automotive, Welding, Machine Tool Technology, Manufacturing, Construction, CIT, Truck Driving CDL and Phlebotomy.

APPLY

WNC Financial Aid Office Helping Students File 2025-26 FAFSA

Higher education students have received a major gift before the holidays: The 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form is available earlier than expected. The 2025-26 FAFSA is for the students planning to attend college in Fall 2025, Spring 2026 or Summer 2026.

As a result, Western Nevada College’s Financial Aid Office has started assisting students prepare their FAFSA forms so they can make plans for attending college between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026.

MORE DETAILS

Spring Semester Presents Many Possibilities for Students

Now is the time to think about Western Nevada College’s Spring 2025 semester, which starts on Jan. 21.

New, continuing and returning students can make plans for the next semester now! Course options are listed on the college’s website at wnc.edu/classes.

Students who aren't yet enrolled in the college can begin the admission process at wnc.edu/starthere.

For more information on becoming a student at WNC, phone 775-445-3277. To receive academic advice, phone 775-445-3267 or book an appointment at wnc.edu/advising.

Students Pitch, Learn from Community Business Professionals

Marie Brierley’s Business 101 class at Western Nevada College presented mini-pitches in front of an inspiring panel of judges: Taylor Adams, CEO of Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN); Restaurateur Mark Estee; and Aurelia Edwards, founder and president of Nailstry.

Students demonstrated their innovation, creativity and business savvy while receiving valuable insights from these accomplished professionals.

Explore Your Passions This Spring with Continuing Education!

Ready to learn something new, sharpen your skills, or dive into a fun hobby? Check out our exciting Spring 2024 Course Lineup!


Ukulele for Beginners

Tuesdays, Jan. 7 – Feb. 25 | 5:30–6:30 PM | $65

Sustainable Gardening 101

Saturdays, Jan. 25 – Mar. 15 | 10 AM–12 PM | $98

Conversational Spanish (In Fernley & Online)

Wednesdays, Jan. 22 – May 14 | 4:00–6:45 PM | $141

My Thousand Words Book Art

Winter Designs | Jan. 25 | 12–3 PM | $43

Valentine Folds | Feb. 8 | 12–3 PM | $43

Doll Making | Mar. 28–29 | 12–3 PM | $65

Stacked Books | Apr. 25–26 | 12–3 PM | $65

Pottery Studio - Fallon

Fridays, Jan. 25 – May 16 | 12–4 PM | $256 + $40 supply fee

Beginning Screenwriting

Thursdays, Jan. 30 – May 15 | 5:30–7 PM | $98

Advanced Screenwriting

Thursdays, Jan. 30 – May 15 | 7:15–8:30 PM | $98

Mapping Out Caregiving

Feb. 8 | 9:30–12:30 PM | $43

May 2 | 1:30–4:30 PM | $43

Introduction to International Travel

Mar. 1 or Apr. 5 | 10 AM–12 PM | $32

Pocket Sketching™ with DebiLynn

Basics: Mar. 1 or Mar. 29 | 10 AM–2 PM | $98

Beyond the Basics: Mar. 8 or Apr. 5 | 10 AM–2 PM | $58

Beginning Astrophotography

Fridays, Apr. 18 – May 2 | 6–8 PM | $65

Optional lab: Apr. 25 | 9–11 PM

RVing 101 & 102

Saturday, Apr. 26

RVing 101: 9 AM–12:30 PM | $43

RVing 102: 1–4:30 PM | $43

MORE DETAILS

Snowball Fight Breaks Out in Student Center during Finals Week

Who says snowball fights are only for outside? Recently, the Student Center transformed into a winter wonderland as students, staff, and even our fearless leader, Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe, joined the frosty fun!

Shoutout to ASWN for hosting this epic DeStress Fest and proving that the best way to stay cool during finals is ... to throw "snowballs" indoors!

PROFESSOR PROFILE

Nursing and Allied Health Instructor Transitions from Decorated Administrative Career to Educating WNC Nursing Students

Western Nevada College nursing students have been really fortunate since the arrival of Kathryn Cocking to the nursing school faculty.

Considering that Cocking has dedicated 45 years to the profession in a variety of critical positions, students are benefiting from her vast experience and wisdom.

The clinical nursing professor isn’t afraid to let struggling students know that her first semester of nursing school at Columbia University was nearly a failure. More importantly, she lets them know how she turned around her grades.

She also lets them know that they will be more prepared to go to work than most RNs.

Read More

GREAT NEWS

Tesla Start Students Recognized for Intense Training at WNC

The Tesla Cohort was honored with a certification ceremony on Dec. 12 in the Donald W. Reynolds Center for Technology.

Thirteen workers from Tesla succeeded in Manufacturing Technician and Mechatronics Foundation training at Western Nevada College during fall semester. These students took the equivalent of 25 credits in 16 weeks to complete their training. That's comparable to completing one year of higher education in one semester!

READ MORE

Nurses Bring Holiday Cheer to Ormsby Post Acute Rehab Facility

Western Nevada College’s chapter of the National Student Nurses’ Association participated in Adopt a Senior for Christmas at the Ormsby Post Acute Rehab skilled nursing facility. Gifts were collected from the college community and the NSNA members delivered them to the seniors on Dec. 12 for the seniors’ Christmas party.

CAMPUS NEWS

Bingo! Nursing Fundraiser Brings in the Numbers

Attendees braved some snow and cold weather to help out Western Nevada College's chapter of the National Student Nurses' Association (NSNA) on Thursday, Dec. 12.

The nurses presented a Bingo Night in Carson Nugget Hall, giving bingo players a chance to win turkeys, hams and pies. They also enjoyed a bake sale and silent auction.

READ MORE

Regent Brown Visits Observatory for Final Star Party of 2024

Regent Heather Brown joined WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe at the Jack C. Davis Observatory for a star party on Dec. 7! Attendees marveled at the wonders of the night sky and explored the universe through the Observatory's powerful telescopes.

Start parties resume on Saturday, Jan. 4.

Holiday Party Brings Together College Community to Celebrate

One last chance to bring together the college community on Friday the 13th didn't disappoint! The employee holiday party provided a catered main course and potluck side dishes and desserts. In addition to the tasty food, employees enjoyed a prize raffle, an impromptu snowball fight and results from the annual door decoration contest won by Disability and Support Services. Thanks to Greater Nevada Credit Union for donating gift cards and a wine basket to the prize raffle.

© Western Nevada College | wnc.edu
Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  Youtube