Monthly news & updates
Date: May 31, 2023 | Issue: May
Here's Your Look Ahead!
WNC-Tesla Manufacturing Tech and Mechatronics Cert. graduation May 31
Child Development Center Graduation June 2
HEPP Commencement June 6
Start of Summer Session June 12
WNC INBRE undergrad research presentation event June 27
Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs (start-finish at WNC) July 15-16
Summer Session ends Aug. 5
Reach for the Stars Gala Aug. 12
Fall Semester begins Aug. 28
STUDENT NEWS
Class of 2023 Honored
WNC celebrated the achievements of its 2022-23 graduates in two ceremonies. Collectively, the two traditional ceremonies honored 500 students who received 529 degrees and Certificates of Achievement.
Traditional Grad Ceremonies Return, Give Families Ideal Celebration Venues
A return to a traditional commencement ceremony format brought back familiar and wonderful traditions, providing graduates with the opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments with more family and friends.
Western Fallon 2023 Graduates Encouraged to Become 'Influencers'
Kathryn Whitaker, WNC’s Outreach and Access Academic Advisor who started working at Western 23 years ago, shared a powerful story about the tragic ending of her grandfather’s personal education but how he channeled that passion to help others. Her takeaway to Fallon grads on May 25 was that the daily impact you’ll have while personally interacting with others positively will do far more to change the world than any grand gesture or achievement that you may earn.
Western Celebrates Graduation
of 114 Jump Start Students
Western Nevada College recognized 114 Jump Start graduates during Spring 2023 commencement ceremonies. Jump Start grads represented Carson, Churchill County, Dayton, Douglas, Fernley, Nevada Virtual, Silver Stage, Smith, Virginia City and Yerington high schools; Oasis Academy; and homeschooling.



 
Nursing & Allied Health Spotlights Nursing Graduates in Pinning Ceremony
On May 19, WNC’s Nursing & Allied Health hosted a traditional Pinning Ceremony to honor the nursing class of 2023. A total of 44 students graduated from the nursing program this spring, helping Northern Nevada health care facilities with much-needed staffing.
Graduating from WNC the Culmination of Long Journey for Blind Man
The opportunity to better himself through higher education has brought light to Aaron Ross’ world. Born legally blind, Ross began working toward a degree at WNC more than a decade ago to pursue a profession that left an impression on him as a child. Through perseverance and the assistance of WNC’s Disability Support Services office, Ross’ dream of graduating with an Associate of Arts degree came true on May 22.

Register Now for Fall 2023 Semester
In less than three months, WNC will welcome students for the Fall 2023 semester. Students can search a list of offered classes at wnc.edu/class-schedule/index.php. As a reminder, fall semester begins Aug. 28.
GOOD NEWS
Jack C. Davis Observatory Turns 20
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of one of the college's greatest resources — Jack C. Davis Observatory — a sunspot viewing event was provided to students, faculty and staff. On that same week, JCDO Director Dr. Thomas Herring talked about the history of the facility during a Community Night attended by 75 people.
WNC Foundation Board Excited to Welcome Back Lupe Ramirez
In her previous role at Western Nevada College, Lupe Ramirez concentrated on supporting and advising students to ensure their success in higher education and to change their lives. Now, Ramirez can continue to support Western students in her new role as a member of the WNC Foundation Board of Trustees.

Metcalf Builders CEO and President Bryce Clutts Joins Foundation Board
Western Nevada College announced that Bryce Clutts, CEO and President of Metcalf Builders, has been welcomed to WNC Foundation as a member of the Board of Trustees. Clutts joins a number of other notable board members on the foundation, whose mission is to develop resources in support of the college by creating community partnerships, encouraging philanthropy and strengthening relationships between the college and the community it serves.
Nevada Women's Fund honoree
Nevada Women's Fund Honors
WNC Vice President Dr. Dana Ryan
Western Nevada College Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Dana Ryan was recognized at the 2023 Nevada Women’s Fund Salute to Women of Achievement luncheon on May 25. Dr. Ryan has served as WNC’s interim vice president for the past year, demonstrating leadership, dedication and commitment to advancing high-quality educational opportunities for learners of all ages.
President Dr. Dalpe Honors Industrial
Tech Instructor with Tenure Award
Western Nevada College Industrial Technology Professor Matthew Anderson was presented a tenure award plaque from President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe on May 25. His tenure appointment was approved by the Nevada System of Higher Education regents at their quarterly meeting earlier this year.
WNC Brings Manufacturing Course to Nevada Department of Corrections
A partnership between Western Nevada College’s Higher Education in Prison Program and the Nevada Department of Corrections provides some offenders with the opportunity to take an Applied Industrial Technology class at Stewart Conservation Camp in Carson City.
Alves, Wadsworth, McFarlin Top List of of Employees Celebrating Anniversaries
Financial Aid Advisor and Student Loan Coordinator Kathleen McFarlin, Facilities Planning and Management Administrative Assistant Deborah Alves and Digital Campus and Technology Co-Director Troy Wadsworth are celebrating 13 years of service to NSHE institutions in May.
CAMPUS NEWS
WNC Mourns Death of Second President
One of Western’s longest-running presidents has passed away. Dr. Anthony Calabro died earlier this year at age 84. Dr. Calabro became the second president at Western Nevada Community College in 1983, following the college’s initial president, Jack C. Davis, who also served in that role for 12 years.
WNC Honors Cathy Fulkerson and Brenda Yenkole with Retirement Bash
Human Resources Assistant Director Brenda Yenkole and Institutional Research and Effectiveness Director Cathy Fulkerson announced that they are leaving the college for their next life journey. WNC celebrated these dedicated employees with a retirement bash on May 16 in the President’s wing.
Class Learns About Water Treatment Industry from WNC, Carson High grads
It was a homecoming for two workforce presenters to Nigel Harrison’s Construction class in late April: Bryan Forster, a 2011 graduate of WNC’s Construction Management Bachelor’s degree program, and Carson High School graduate J.P. Bourgogne. Both work for MGC Contractors, a water treatment industry leader headquartered in Phoenix, Ariz.
Veterans Resource Center Resumes Suicide Prevention & Awareness March
To help alert more people about the need to take necessary steps to prevent the tragic losses of veterans committing suicide, WNC’s Veterans Resource Center presented a Veterans Suicide Prevention and Awareness March on May 6.
Artist Uses Illusion to Captivate Viewers of 'Desire' Exhibit in Bristlecone Gallery
The next time that you walk into the Bristlecone Main Gallery, you may think that someone brought colorful donuts to share and that someone or something is watching you. Upon closer examination, the well-decorated cushions and the dangling eyes actually are part of the Eunkang Koh’s “Desire” art exhibit presented by the Capital City Arts Initiative. It will be on display through Sept. 14.
UPCOMING EVENTS
In-Person Workshop to Aid Businesses Manage Workload When Understaffed
Continuing Education is offering a Too Much Work, Not Enough Help Workshop on Tuesday, June 6 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at WNC. It is intended to help businesses say no to the wrong clients and how to prevent losing their top performers.
Reach for the Stars Roaring '20s Gala
Join us for the sixth annual Reach for the Stars Gala, honoring the Jack C. Davis Observatory's 20th anniversary, celebrating in Roaring 20s style, so bring out your flapper dresses, pinstripes, feathers and pearls! Enjoy a full dinner, live and silent auction and exciting entertainment all before dancing the night away with local DJ Steve Nichols.