Monthly news & updates

Date: Oct. 24, 2025 | Issue: October

Plan for Winter Session, 2026 Spring Semester

It isn’t too early to think about Western Nevada College’s Spring 2026 semester.

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

Continuing and returning students can begin registering for spring courses through their myWNC accounts on Monday, Nov. 3, while new students can start registering for classes on Monday, Nov. 10.

New students can begin the admission process at wnc.edu/starthere. Winter session accelerated classes are also available.

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.


Here's Your Look Ahead!

A Progressive Ensemble art exhibit Through Dec. 16

Dia de los Muertos Oct. 27-Nov. 3

Child Development Center Pumpkin Parade Oct. 30

ASWN Halloween Celebration Oct. 30

Fallon campus Haunted Hallways Oct. 30

Nevada Day holiday Oct. 31

Nevada Promise Scholarship deadline Oct. 31

Nevada Day Parade Nov. 1

Fall Graduation application due Nov. 3

Spring registration opens (cont./returning students) Nov. 3

WNC plays in Can't Dodge This Dodgeball Tourney Nov. 7

WNMTC production of "Fiddler on the Roof" Nov. 7-23

Spring registration opens for new students Nov. 10

Veterans Day holiday Nov. 11

Homeschool Night Nov. 13

Practicing Civility in Trying Times Nov. 13

Star Parties at Jack C. Davis Observatory Nov. 15 and 22

Turkey Bowl Nov. 20

Thanksgiving holidays Nov. 27-28

Interview workshop by ROADS & Career Services Dec. 2

GET INVOLVED

Bristlecone Gallery Presenting

'A Progressive Ensemble'


Western Nevada College’s Bristlecone Art Gallery invites the community to experience “A Progressive Ensemble,” a compelling exhibition featuring the work of neurodivergent and physically disabled adult artists from Art Explorers Inc., a progressive art studio based in Fort Bragg, Calif.

Open now through the fall semester, the exhibition celebrates the power of creativity as a universal language — one that transcends boundaries, challenges convention, and reveals the depth of human expression.

Unlock Your Career Potential in Resumé-Building Workshop

Are you ready to make your resumé stand out and land your dream job? Join us for Western Nevada College’s Resumé-Building Workshop on Tuesday, Nov. 4, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at The Link, where expert guidance meets practical tools to help you succeed.

Bring a draft of your current resumé (or start fresh!) and leave with actionable insights to make your resumé shine. Beverly Marshall, life coach and motivational speaker, will assist attendees and provide guidance. Don’t miss this chance to take the first step toward your dream career!

WNMTC to Present Touching, Humorous 'Fiddler on the Roof'

Western Nevada Musical Theatre Company's production of "Fiddler on the Roof" is coming in November.

Set in a little village in Czarist Russia, the story of "Fiddler on the Roof" follows Tevye, a poor dairyman, and his wife Golde, as they struggle to embrace family and traditions in the face of a changing world.

“Each of these extraordinary performers brings remarkable depth and humor to this beautiful work, creating a touching, humorous, and, at times, deeply powerful emotional journey through their village of Anatevka,” said WNMTC Producer and Director Stephanie Arrigotti, who also is a Professor of Music at WNC.

Performances are scheduled on weekends from Nov. 7 through Nov. 23 at the Carson City Community Center.

Support Second-Year Nursing Club with Cooler Weather Apparel

A nursing club's fundraiser is winding down that will put some warmer clothing on your backs this fall.

The Second-Year Nursing Club has been selling sweatshirts and sweaters to help raise money for its activities.

Don't wait. The sale ends on Thursday, Oct. 30. Use the QR code to make your purchases.


Calling All Dodgeball Players! Teams Forming for City Tournament

Western Nevada College is forming dodgeball team(s) to take part in the Carson City Can’t Dodge This Dodgeball Tournament on Friday, Nov. 7, at the Carson City MAC.

“Dodgeball is the crucible where warriors and elder millennial muscle cramps are forged. We expect you to bring your fire, Wildcat spirit and bananas (for the muscle cramps),” said team organizer Casey Otto.

If you are interested in participating, please contact Casey as soon as possible at casey.otto@wnc.edu. This year’s theme is Pirates.

Last year, WNC debuted by qualifying for the tournament semifinals, finishing a respectable third.


GREAT NEWS

$4.3M Grant to Expand Nursing Program to Douglas Campus

To meet the growing regional demand for skilled nurses, Western Nevada College is expanding its nationally recognized Nursing Program to its Douglas campus through a $4,392,000 grant awarded by the Health Resources and Services Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The expansion will significantly increase access to high-quality healthcare education for students in Douglas County and surrounding rural communities, ensuring that more Nevadans can pursue careers in nursing without leaving their region.

The Douglas campus upgrade will include the creation of a state-of-the-art simulation lab, designed to replicate both acute and long-term care settings, providing essential, hands-on training opportunities for students. The project will also feature dedicated testing rooms, upgrades to support modern technology, and funding for new equipment to ensure that graduates are fully prepared for the realities of today’s healthcare environment.

Aspire Academy has used this space to provide high school students an alternative education. Aspire Academy’s lease to use this facility will end on June 30, 2026. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, with project completion expected in September 2027.


26th Edition of Golf for Education Decided by Two Strokes

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 401 won WNC Foundation’s 26th annual Golf for Education title at Toiyabe Golf Club recently.

The winning foursome of Jacob Haas, Matt Henderson, Todd Davis and Mike Fleiner shot a 31-under-par 41, claiming victory by two strokes over Lyon County School District’s team of Neal McIntyre, Neal McIntyre II, John Stevens and Phil Cowee.

The tournament started with Deke Monegan winning the Michael Hohl Subaru Putting Contest by coming within 21 inches of sinking a 75-foot putt. Other prize winners were Meirra Cavanaugh, Women's Long Drive; Billy Dunn, Men's Long Drive; Robin Ponte, Women's Closest to the Pin (14 feet, 1/2 inch) and Joe Spencer, Men's Closest to the Pin (4 feet, 1 inch).

Wildcat Connection Podcast Unveiled


A new podcast at Western Nevada College is giving listeners an inside look at the passion, creativity and innovation driving education on campus.

Wildcat Connection, created by WNC Instructional Support Specialist Joshua Fleming and Learning Management System Administrator Ryan Johnson, spotlights teaching, learning and the educators who are making it happen.

The podcast, hosted on the college’s Center for Teaching Excellence webpage, began last spring and features conversations with WNC faculty, staff and students — including WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe.

WNC Screenwriting Instructor Awarded Best Genre Feature Screenplay


“Blood Pact,” the genre-bending horror western by screenwriter and Western Nevada College screenwriting instructor Sean Mick, has lassoed top honors at the 2025 Cordillera International Film Festival, taking home the coveted Best Genre Feature Screenplay award.

A gripping fusion of frontier grit and supernatural suspense, “Blood Pact” wowed judges with its fearless storytelling and cinematic vision.

At WNC, Mick teaches two Continuing Education courses rooted in mythic structure and cinematic craft. A devoted student of Joseph Campbell, he brings a deep understanding of narrative archetypes to his classroom, inspiring students to find their own voices.

STUDENT NEWS

Explore the Foundations of Politics, Power and Justice in PHIL 207: Introduction to Political Philosophy


This seminar-style, conversation-driven course tackles democracy, rights, liberty and the systems that shape our world — plus capitalism, communism, anarchism, feminism, deep ecology, crime, and nonviolence/violence.

Ideal for careers in law, government, education, nonprofit work and business.


Tuesday and Thursday | 9:30-10:45 a.m.

Carson City Campus

Jan 20-May 16

New students can enroll starting Nov 10


Students Engage with Employers

in Fall Career Fair at the Link


Thirty-plus employers participated in Western Nevada College’s Fall Career Fair at the at the Link: the Community, Career & Employer Center in the Aspen Building on the Carson City campus!

Students explored opportunities in healthcare, law enforcement, logistics, finance, education, and more — connecting with local and regional partners ready to hire.

Presented by WNC’s College and Career Readiness program, the event provided an invaluable opportunity for students to explore employment options, engage with industry professionals, and build meaningful connections for their future careers.

Geology Students Explore Tahoe's Ancient Volcanic Past

Lake Tahoe served as both a classroom and a time machine for Western Nevada College geology students recently, as Dr. Winnie Kortemeier, Professor of Geosciences, led three of her classes on a hands-on field trip to uncover the volcanic story that shaped the iconic lake — and proved it to be 2.3 million years old.

Students from Geology of Nevada, Geology 100 and Geology 101 met at Commons Beach in Tahoe City and spent more than four hours exploring three unique sites. Each stop revealed dramatic evidence of volcanic activity that continues to fascinate geologists and inspire students.

“They are so amazed that they can see the story in the rocks,” Dr. Kortemeier said. “It’s mind-opening when they realize that 2.3 million years ago, where they are standing today was underwater.”

Submit Your Graduation Application by Nov. 3

Graduating this Fall? Don’t miss your chance!

The WNC graduation deadline is Nov. 3.

Meet with your advisor to see if you qualify, and apply today at wnc.edu/graduation. Your future self will thank you!

Fall graduates can celebrate their accomplishments by participating in the college's spring commencement ceremonies.

Apply Now for William N. Pennington CTE Scholarship!

The Western Nevada College Foundation and Financial Assistance Office are presenting the William N. Pennington Career and Technical Education Scholarship Application for 2025-26. This generous scholarship will give WNC CTE students the opportunity to learn valuable skills to enter Nevada’s diverse workforce. Don't hesitate to take advantage of this great career-enhancing opportunity!

CAMPUS NEWS

WNC Welcomes U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen to Campus

WNC was honored to welcome U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen to our Carson City campus on Sept. 25! Senator Rosen toured the Mobile Manufacturing Lab and Donald W. Reynolds Center for Technology, where she met students and faculty in Manufacturing, Industrial Electronics and Mechatronics.

She even shared her own background as a computer programmer while checking out demos — including a robot that moved objects and waved hello. Senator Rosen also test-drove our Commercial Driver’s License simulator, braving a snowstorm scenario behind the wheel! 

Her visit wrapped up with WNC Police Services and some encouraging words for our team: “Keep doing what you are doing!” 


giphy image

Chancellor McNair and Team Tour WNC Facilities, Connect with Students and Staff


Chancellor Matt McNair and Nevada System of Higher Education representatives visited campus for the Biennial Budget Presentation. They toured our facilities, connected with staff and students, and had a little fun along the way! We loved sharing all the great things happening at WNC.

A heartfelt thank you to Chancellor Matt McNair and his team for visiting Western Nevada College and for their continued support of our students, staff, and community. Your partnership helps us build a stronger, brighter future for Nevada!


President Talks about Flexible Learning in Live KOLO 8 Interview

President J. Kyle Dalpe, Ph.D., was recently interviewed by Denise Wong on KOLO 8 News Now to discuss Western Nevada College’s flexible learning options.

In the interview, President Dalpe highlights how WNC is making education more accessible and adaptable through:

• Flexible learning options including late-start, short-term and open-entry courses

• Robust student support services such as academic advising, tutoring and technology resources

• Strong community connections that ensure our programs meet regional workforce and educational needs

Stellar Viewing at Star Parties Reveals Comets

Western Nevada College’s astronomy community enjoyed an exciting two days of celestial discovery on Oct. 17 and 18!

Dr. Thomas Herring, Director of the Jack C. Davis Observatory, photographed Comet C/2025 A6 Lemmon during a Star Party at the Fernley Library on Oct. 17, and Comet C/2025 R2 SWAN the following night at the observatory in Carson City.

C/2025 A6 Lemmon — showing a distinct tail — may become visible to the naked eye in the coming weeks, according to Dr. Herring. Look for it in the northwest sky between the handle of the Big Dipper and the horizon just after sunset. C/2025 R2 SWAN displays a vivid blue-green glow and can be spotted in the southwest sky after sunset with a moderate telescope.

Visitors also enjoyed views of Saturn, Neptune and Uranus, and interest continues to build for the next month's Star Parties on Nov. 15 and 22 at Jack C. Davis Observatory.


Campus Community Supports Breast Cancer Awareness

Western Nevada College students, faculty and staff came together today in the Dini Student Center to support Breast Cancer Awareness.

Carson City Health & Human Services provided valuable information about risk factors, early detection, mammograms, treatment options and more — reinforcing the importance of education and prevention in the fight against breast cancer.

Participants also showed their support by wearing pink ribbons, bracelets and shirts while taking part in creative activities and enjoying refreshments. They also wrote messages to friends and family who are fighting the disease.

Together, we continue to raise awareness and stand in solidarity with those affected by breast cancer.



Dr. Herring Pitches Night Sky Tourism in Nevada Appeal Article

Stargazers searching for some of the best light shows only need to look to Nevada’s skies.

The Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation is promoting the astrotourism trend. Astronomers can travel to open, starry destinations to observe the night sky without interference from manmade light.

Western Nevada College Professor Dr. Thomas Herring, who is the director of Jack C. Davis Observatory, said that there are a lot of good reasons to have dark skies and said that ordinances exist. He said that JCDO recognizes that you don’t always need the lights on.

Event Unites Sheriff Furlong, President Dalpe and Students

Students enjoyed a morning of coffee and donuts, followed by tacos for lunch, while connecting with local law enforcement! Sheriff Ken Furlong and WNC President J. Kyle Dalpe, Ph.D. were spotted chatting and engaging with students.

A big thank you to the Carson City Sheriff’s Office for supporting this event and helping build stronger connections with our campus community!


Safety Preparedness Prioritized in Great Nevada ShakeOut Drill

Thanks to the Nevada System of Higher Education and all the participating institutions for coordinating the Oct. 16 Great Nevada ShakeOut Drill!

We’re proud to have joined the effort to ensure safety preparedness across the state.

A special shoutout to the WNC community for its active involvement in practicing "Drop, Cover and Hold On!"



WNC Wrapped Up September in True Oktoberfest Style!

Students, faculty and staff flocked to Dini Student Center for ASWN’s Oktoberfest, touching off laughter, competition (with prizes) and plenty of Bavarian flair.

From barrel roll racing and a steinhold showdown to hammerschlagen, pretzel ring toss and root beer pong — the energy was nonstop! Guests also enjoyed delicious steak and cheddar pies from Silver State Pie Company and yummy root beer floats. Attendees were also treated to live alpine sounds from the Sierra Alphorn players.

Big thanks to ASWN for bringing the campus community together for this fun fall tradition!

Happy Nevada Day!


Happy Nevada Day on Oct. 31 from all of us at Western Nevada College! We celebrate the Silver State — our home, our heritage and the incredible communities that make Nevada such a special place to live, learn and grow. From Carson City to Churchill, Lyon, Douglas, Washoe, Mineral and Storey counties, WNC is proud to serve students who embody Nevada’s pioneering spirit — resilient, hardworking and ready to shape the future. Here’s to our students, alumni, and partners who make our state shine. Happy Nevada Day, Wildcats!

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