WNC graduates 451 at Carson City, Fallon ceremonies
Whether they plan to enter the work force or continue on with their education, the 451 Western Nevada College graduates walked away Monday and Tuesday with one certainty: It's up to them to use their education to push ahead in one of the most trying economic times in Nevada's history.
With the state's 13.7 percent unemployment rate for April, it may be "tough out there" to find a job, but the education the graduates earned at WNC is top-notch and will take them far if they apply themselves and are patient, College President Carol Lucey told the class Tuesday night.
Students chose two WNC faculty members to offer their commencement addresses: Professor of College Success Susan Priest and Library Support Specialist Ron Belbin. Meanwhile, honorary associate degrees were awarded to Bryan Samudio, KRNV News 4 TV anchor and sports director; and Betty Kopfhammer, a Carson City resident who is an ardent support of education and WNC.
Samudio has volunteered his time to serve as master of ceremonies at all the Wildcats athletics major fund-raising events, while Kopfhammer has continually helped youth to excel, financially assisting WNC and many other local organizations.
This year, WNC welcomed its second class of graduates — six students — who have earned a Bachelor of Technology degree in Construction Management. The college also presented bachelor's degrees to 14 students who completed a partnership program that allows them to start their teacher education degree at WNC and finish it through Nevada State College without leaving the area.
Click here for a list of all the graduates.