Date: March 30, 2026 | Issue: March | | |
Students' Heartfelt Service Leaves Lasting Impression with Seniors
The spirit of community, kindness and selflessness was on full display on
March 24 as students from Western Nevada College dedicated their time
and talents to serve residents at Solista Carson senior living community.
For many of the residents, the return of the student volunteers was a highly anticipated moment. After experiencing the inaugural service project last year, seniors eagerly looked forward to another opportunity to connect with the students and receive a helping hand.
Led by Construction Project Management Professor Nigel Harrison, 10 students spent the afternoon and evening assisting residents with a variety of household tasks — fixing, hanging and assembling items that can often be challenging for seniors to complete on their own.
Read more about this touching volunteer effort.
Reno TV stations KTVN and KOLO 8 also reported on this community service event with coverage that same evening.
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Here's Your Look Ahead!
Chemigram Exhibit in Bristlecone Through April 13
Burgers and Badges March 31
Foundation Scholarship Application Deadline April 1
Easter Eggs-travaganza on Carson City Campus April 2
Child Development Center Pinwheel Planting April 3
Fall, Summer registration starts for cont. students April 6
Easter Egg Hunt on Fallon Campus April 6
Star Paty at Jack C. Davis Observatory April 11
Fall, Summer registration starts for new students April 13
Diversity Summit at UNR April 16-17
ASWN Awards & Appreciation Reception
April 17
Art Receptioin on Fallon Campus April 18
Earth Day April 22
Communicate with Confidence Workshop April 23
High School Senior Day at WNC April 30
De-Stress Fest May 4-7
Cinco de Mayo May 5
WNMTC presents Come from Away May 8-17
Carson Commencement, Pinning Ceremony May 18
Fallon Commencement May 20
| | Jump Start Student, ASWN Leader Earns Regents' Scholar Award | |
Western Nevada College is proud to announce that Alyssa Ayers has been named a recipient of the prestigious Sam Lieberman Regents’ Scholar Award, recognizing her academic excellence, leadership and commitment to service.
A high school senior and Jump Start student, Ayers is concurrently earning her Associate of Science degree at WNC — a milestone that reflects not only academic achievement, but remarkable perseverance.
Ayers’ life has been shaped by resilience, responsibility and a deep desire to serve others.
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Dr. Dana Ryan Honored with Women of Distinction Selection
Western Nevada College Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Dana Ryan was selected as one of 11 honorees for the Carson City Chamber’s Women of Distinction celebration.
Dr. Ryan was honored during a special awards luncheon on Wednesday, March 25, at Casino Fandango, as part of the Chamber’s annual Women of Distinction celebration held during Women’s History Month.
Dr. Ryan’s contributions have been recognized previously. In 2023, she was honored by the Nevada Women’s Fund as a Woman of Achievement.
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Faculty Members Dr. Bell and Kupferschmid Receive Tenure
Western Nevada College Education Instructor Dr. Patrick Bell and English Instructor Curtis Kupferschmid have been awarded tenure following approval by the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents at its quarterly meeting in March.
Tenure within the Nevada System of Higher Education is granted through a rigorous, multi-layered evaluation process conducted by tenured faculty peers and academic leadership. The distinction recognizes sustained excellence in teaching, service and professional development, while affirming a long-term commitment to student success.
| | | Tesla Supports WNC's Veterans Resource Center | |
Western Nevada College proudly received a generous $2,500 donation from Tesla on March 20 as the multinational automotive and clean energy company showed its support of WNC's Veterans Resource Center.
Attending the check presentation ceremony from Tesla were Michelle Hale, Senior Community Engagement Program Manager and WNC Foundation Board member, and Aimee Frugoli, Senior Recruiter for Manufacturing Programs. Also, in attendance were WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe, and Chief Advancement Officer and Foundation Executive Director Niki Gladys.
WNC is very appreciative of Tesla for investing in those who have served our country and are now pursuing their educational goals at WNC.
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WNC Takes Over Tahoe Blue Events Center for Hockey Night
Western Nevada College students, faculty, staff and families filled the stands Friday night at the Tahoe Blue Events Center to cheer on the Tahoe Knight Monsters — and support WNC at the same time. Thanks to the event, a portion of ticket sales was donated to the WNC Foundation, helping support students and programs across our campuses.
Fans were treated to an exciting matchup as league leader Kansas City edged the Knight Monsters in a thrilling 6–5 game. WNC spirit was strong in the crowd, with President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe, Chief Advancement Officer and Foundation Executive Director Niki Gladys, Vice President Coral Lopez, student government leaders and Foundation board members all cheering on the home team.
| | | President Dalpe, Feser Roll Out Upgraded Bathrooms | |
The little things matter! After a long-awaited upgrade, the Men’s, Women’s, and Family restrooms in the Bristlecone Building on WNC’s Carson City campus are officially open. President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe marked the moment with a ribbon cutting (and yes… a ceremonial roll of TP). Clean, modern, and more accessible — because student experience is built on details that make a big difference.
Many thanks to Director of Facilities Jim Feser and his team for the success and completion of this project!
| | | Powerful Moments of 9/11 Brought to Life in 'Come From Away' | |
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. 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 Western Nevada Musical Theatre Company'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. Go to wnmtc.com. For assistance, call 775-339-7399.
| | | Great Opportunity for Students to Enhance Communication Skills | |
Students at Western Nevada College will have a unique opportunity to strengthen one of the most important skills for career success — communication — when internationally recognized speaker Dr. Jessica Houston visits campus on April 23.
Dr. Houston will present “Communicate with Confidence: Standing Out in Career Conversations” from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Carson Nugget Hall on the Carson City campus. The interactive workshop is designed to help students build confidence, develop effective communication strategies and learn how to stand out in professional settings.
Recognized by Real Leaders as one of the top 50 speakers in the world, Dr. Houston brings a wealth of experience from delivering impactful keynotes and trainings for Fortune 500 companies, universities and global conferences.
Presented by WNC’s Realizing Opportunities for the American Dream to Succeed (ROADS) program, the workshop reflects the college’s commitment to equipping students with the tools they need to thrive both academically and professionally.
Attendees will also enjoy a complimentary Chick-fil-A lunch during the workshop.
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Unique Chemigram Exhibit Showing through April 13
An artistic process dating back to half a century ago is now showing in the Bristlecone Art Gallery. The Chemigram Show spotlights photographic images created without a camera, enlarger or lens.
These photographs are made in open light and rely on the the mysterious interaction of standard black and white photo chemicals with exposed photo paper. The imagery is created by the action and movement of photo chemicals as they encounter each other on the surface of the paper.
This unique exhibit will be on display through April 13.
| | | Donut (Do Not) Forget to Apply for Foundation Scholarships | |
Students had a sweet reminder at WNC Foundation’s “Donut (Do Not) Forget to Apply” event March 24, where coffee, donuts and scholarship info were all on the menu.
Whether students are just getting started or ready to submit, it’s time to take that next step toward funding your education. The deadline to apply for 2026–27 Foundation Scholarships is April 1.
The hundreds of scholarships available are open to new and continuing students with one simple application.
Need assistance? Contact Elizabeth Bennett-Doran at 775-445-4261 or elizabeth.bennett-doran@wnc.edu.
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Summer, Fall Registration Starts in April
As students consider where to enroll in college next fall, they should take into account the many benefits of attending Western Nevada College: affordability, outstanding faculty, smaller class sizes, helpful financial assistance and scholarships, proximity to home, multiple campuses, flexible courses, accelerated classes, industry certifications and more.
Continuing students can use their myWNC accounts to begin registering for the Fall 2026 semester — as well as summer session — on Monday, April 6.
New students can start registering on Monday, April 13. The first step for new students to attend WNC is to enroll in the college at wnc.edu/admissions. To learn more the enrollment process, visit wnc.edu/starthere.
| | | ASWN Awards and Appreciation Reception Set for April 17 | |
The Associated Students of Western Nevada will recognize outstanding students, faculty and staff during its annual Awards and Appreciation Reception on Friday night, April 17, at Casino Fandango.
Annually, ASWN takes this opportunity to celebrate the finest achievements at WNC alongside family and friends, bringing joy and festivity as WNC nears the end of the academic year. Students will be presented awards for their excellence in academics, leadership and service.
The reception begins at 5 p.m.
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Graduates Encouraged to Order Regalia As Soon As Possible
With WNC's Commencement ceremonies nearing, it's time for graduates to prepare for this huge milestone by ordering their regalia.
Orders must be placed by April 19 to ensure on-time delivery for the ceremony. Note: Regalia will not be available for purchase at our ceremonies.
Congratulations, graduates!
| | | St. Patrick's Day Comes Early for WNC Students | |
It was a lucky day at Western Nevada College! St. Patrick’s Day arrived on March 12 in the Dini Student Center, where students celebrated before heading into Spring Break. The afternoon was filled with festive fun — from free meat pies from Silver State Pie Company to sweet Shamrock Shakes from McDonald's.
Students tested their luck with games such as Shamrock Stack, Lucky Chopsticks, Leprechaun Launch, Rainbow Cup Flip and Shamrock Scoop, all while sporting shamrock hats, beads, glasses and plenty of green spirit. It was the perfect warm-up for the worldwide St. Patrick’s Day celebration on March 17!
| | | President Dalpe Employee Well-being on Education Podcast | |
Western Nevada College President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe recently shared his perspective on leadership, workplace culture and student success during a guest appearance on the EdUp Experience podcast.
During the conversation, President Dalpe emphasized that employee well-being should be considered a core part of strategic planning in higher education. While many institutional plans focus on goals such as enrollment growth, facilities and new academic programs, he noted that the success of those initiatives ultimately depends on the people responsible for carrying them out.
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Total Lunar Eclipse Watch Party Draws Night Owls, TV Stations
The weather was ideal for the Total Lunar Eclipse Watch Party on March 2 and 3 at Jack C. Davis Observatory (JCDO).
Attendees, which number nearly 40, watched the progress of the eclipse into the early morning hours and learned about eclipses from JCDO Director Dr. Thomas Herring. They were also asked to rate the color depth of the eclipse using a NASA form.
Reno TV stations KTVN and KOLO 8 covered the event.
JCDO will host its next Star Party on Saturday, April 11, starting at 6:30 p.m.
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Podcast Shares Experiences, Passions of Students, Instructors
Discover the people and ideas powering Western Nevada College through the Wildcat Connection podcast.
The podcast offers listeners an inside look at the dedicated instructors, motivated students and innovative learning happening across WNC. Each episode highlights the stories, experiences and passions that shape the college community.
Recent episodes feature a wide range of voices from across campus. Student government leaders Karla Salas Dominguez, president of the Associated Students of Western Nevada, and Sherlyn Vasquez, ASWN treasurer, discuss student leadership and campus initiatives. Dr. Winnie Kortemeier, professor of geosciences, shares her unique educational journey and passion for earth sciences. Dr. Rebecca Bevans, a psychology professor, highlights the benefits of flexible learning opportunities for students, while Dr. Patrick Bell, professor of education, talks about his commitment to serving rural communities through education. Access the podcasts on the Center for Teaching Excellence webpage.
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Global Game Day Brings Together Students, Staff for Fun, Wings
Students and employees came together March 26 in Carson Nugget Hall for a day filled with fun, friendly competition and connection. From classic favorites such as chess and checkers to games from around the world, there was something for everyone to enjoy. And, of course — the Wingstop wings were a hit, especially with campus leaders serving them! Add in some music and great prizes, and the event made for an unforgettable experience.
Thank you to ASWN and the Culture of the Campus Committee for bringing the campus community together for such a memorable event!
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WNC Team Attends Fernley Chamber's Celebrating Success Gala
WNC representatives attended Fernley Chamber of Commerce’s Celebrating Success Gala on March 21.
WNC’s and the Nevada System of Higher Education’s well-represented team of attendees included President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe, Chief Advancement Officer and Foundation Executive Director Niki Gladys, Regent Carol Del Carlo, Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Dana Ryan, Fallon Campus and Rural Outreach Director Lisa Gallo and Workforce, Career and Technical Education Outreach and Training Coordinator Jack Sato.
The Chamber’s Celebrating Success Gala is an annual formal-attire fundraising event supporting financial needs and raising awareness for the Chamber organization and scholarship awards. The gala celebrates the Chamber membership accomplishments, honors individuals and businesses, and inspires others to support the Chamber’s mission.
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Academic Advising Assistant Director is Coach of the Year
Carson High School boys basketball coach Tyler Golden was selected by his peers as the Sierra League Basketball Coach of the Year for the 2025-26 season.
His Senators collected 10 wins, improving on their triumphs from the previous season.
By day, Golden is the Assistant Director of Academic Advising and Access at WNC.
Way to go, Tyler!
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