Western Nevada College’s 2026 graduating class — the 55th in the college’s history — spanned 11 states and ranged from 17 years old to 81. One of our incredible graduates, Eleanor Joiner Davis, has been accepted to attend Harvard in the fall.

Collectively, the two ceremonies honored a record 686 graduates who earned 851 degrees and Certificates of Achievement.



The new record number of graduates also includes a new milestone for the Jump Start program as 242 students are graduating with their associate degree before receiving their diplomas for completing high school.

For the first time ever, WNC celebrated more than 200 Jump Start graduates during commencement ceremonies in Carson City and Fallon. A record-breaking 242 students earned associate degrees before even receiving their high school diplomas!

These incredible graduates represent nine high schools, three academies and homeschool students.

Since 2013, WNC’s Jump Start program has empowered high school students to get a head start on their futures by earning college credits up to an associate degree while still in high school.

The Class of 2026 proved what’s possible through ambition, perseverance and opportunity. Congratulations to all of our Jump Start graduates for this remarkable achievement! Your futures are already in motion.

Western Nevada College celebrated 58 graduates of its nursing program during a traditional Pinning Ceremony on May 18 at the Carson City Community Center.

Surrounded by family, friends, faculty and supporters, these future nurses were honored with the presentation of pins and recitation of the Nightingale Pledge as they prepare to begin careers dedicated to caring for others.

The ceremony included a welcome from Nursing & Allied Health Director Dr. Audrey Auer, welcoming remarks from WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe, a keynote address from Lisa Dunkelberg, a presentation of the class photo, introduction of the class and second-year nursing officers, a presentation of awards, a presentation of pins and a recitation of the Nightingale Pledge.

For Calvin Worley, his path to an Associate of Science degree with a pre-engineering emphasis was more difficult than others. He is battling back from a brain injury suffered in a near fatal car crash in 2017.

“This is just the first step in a new career journey,” he said.

WNC Disability Support Services Program Director Susan Trist said that Calvin has overcome multiple challenges in his recovery.

“Despite experiencing a traumatic brain injury and facing the challenges of physical, occupational, and speech therapy, Calvin demonstrated remarkable determination in rebuilding independence and pursuing his educational goals,” Trist said. “Through persistence, hard work, and resilience, he continued moving forward one step at a time. I am thrilled to celebrate the achievement of earning his Associate of Science degree and the dedication that made it possible.”

Unsure about what she wanted to purse for a career path, Trina Hoffer started her higher education at WNC in 2024. Two years later, she has graduated with an associate of science degree and intends to attend the University of Nevada, Reno to complete a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience.

She is another case in point for WNC's moniker, "Start Here, Go Anywhere."

Nevada Appeal reporter Jessica Garcia reports that Trina had a rough senior year at Carson High School but found her footing at WNC.

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.

A selection of platinum prints by photographer Adam Jahiel are on display through Sept. 9 in the Bristlecone Gallery on the Western Nevada College's Carson City campus.

The exhibition features images from Jahiel’s "The Last Cowboy" series, which documents the lives of cowboys and the traditions of ranching in the American West.

In 1989, Jahiel was sent to a ranch on the California-Nevada border to photograph the famed rodeo bull Skoal’s Pacific Bell for The Sacramento Bee. That assignment began a long-term exploration of the cowboys of the Great Basin. Every summer from 2006, Jahiel traveled to parts of Idaho, Nevada and Oregon, capturing images of the region’s cowboys, landscapes and historic ranches.

WNC will host a special presentation celebrating selections from “The Last Cowboy” by Jahiel on June 17, form 5:30 to 7 p.m.

The Bristlecone Gallery is open weekdays, except holidays, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Three dozen Western Nevada College certified nursing assistant (CNA) students were recognized on May 13 in Carson Nugget Hall.

The 36 students completed the college’s CNA training course, preparing them to take the CNA certification exam from the Nevada State Board of Nursing.

Several students were presented with special recognition awards: Receiving the Associated Students of Western Nevada CNA of the Year Award was Tristan Ernst Karkheck. Recipients of the Clinical Excellence Award were Gretchen Pachak, Lily Kersey and Paige Frey.

Western Nevada College and Tesla recognized a group of 21 Tesla START students on May 13 for completing a rigorous training program.

For spring semester, these dedicated learners completed the equivalent of 25 college credits (nine classes) in 16 weeks — a remarkable achievement!

Course completion certificate recipients were Jonathan Adame, Chelcee Albright, Christian Alvarado, Kaidence Barker, Andry James Caguiat, Brandon Egbert, Vince Fauver, Owen Raymond Fens, Julia Gallegos, Cesar Garcia Jr, Zaid Abdullah Ligingston, Noah McCusker, Jesse Padratzik, Connor Page, Jan Puspos, Fatima Sierra Ruiz, Monica G Salazar, Wood Semexant, Leej (Lily) Nighthawk Smith, Luis Valenzuela and Nathan W Emer Y.

Prospective, continuing and returning students can register for Western Nevada College’s Summer 2026 and Fall 2026 classes.

Summer session begins June 8. The Fall 2026 Semester isn't far off, beginning Aug. 31.

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.

WNC's Carson City campus community cascaded to Dini Student Center to celebrate Cinco de Mayo earlier this month.

While some may have been rejoicing over the Mexican Army's astounding victory over French troops in 1862, others were there to honor the Mexican-American heritage. That meant games such as la lotería and a fiesta music seat showdown. Attendees also enjoyed jarritos, pan dulce, café, tacos and churros. Students made floral bouquets with pipe cleaners and customized a vase for their flowers. Others took the opportunity to entertain in Viva Karaoke.

All of the fun, food and refreshments were presented by the Associated Students of Western Nevada (ASWN).

The renovation project to expand nursing education on Western Nevada College’s Fallon campus is taking shape.

The upgraded space in the in the Piñon Building will include modern clinical training areas, advanced simulation labs, and dedicated study and testing rooms, giving nursing students in Fallon greater access to hands-on learning close to home.

“The project is moving along very nicely and we expect full completion before September 2026,” said WNC Assistant Facilities Director and Project Manager Jeff Erickson. “Departments will move in after that date and should be ready for classes in Spring 2027.”

After an eventful day on campus, they are future Wildcats in the making!

Western Nevada College welcomed area high school seniors on April 30 as they took the next step toward their college journey.

Students from Carson, Douglas, Dayton, Yerington, Fernley, Smith Valley and Silver Stage high schools connected with faculty, explored programs, received academic advising, and even registered for classes, all in one day! From meeting new friends to learning about campus services and resources (and enjoying some games and lunch along the way), Senior Day was a great start to their transition to college life. They even met WNC's mascot, Willy!

We can’t wait to see them back on campus this fall!

Opening night of Western Nevada Musical Theater Company's "Come From Away" musical on May 8 drew a full house at the Carson City Community Center, bringing together community leaders, educators, business professionals, elected officials, arts supporters and longtime friends of Western Nevada College for an evening of music, laughter and connection.

Guests gathered to celebrate the highly anticipated production by the Western Nevada Musical Theatre Company, enjoying a memorable night that reflected the strong spirit of community showcased throughout the musical itself.

Employees were celebrated May 4-8, highlighted by BBQ lunches on the Fallon and Carson City campuses, as well as a prize raffle.

Employee Appreciation Week also included Wall of Gratitude Posters, which invited morale-boosting quotes and appreciation notes and thank yous; a coffee and pastry/donut day; and rock painting and charcuterie from The Cheese Board to cap the week.

Thanks to Human Resources for presenting this fabulous week!