by Rebecca Zisch
A jubilant crowd gathered at the Henderson Pavilion on Saturday, May 10 to witness the commencement ceremony for Nevada State College’s fifth graduating class. The landmark occasion was complemented by beautiful weather and the collective pride and exhilaration for the accomplishments that such a ceremony represents. Scores of smiling, regalia-clad graduates processed and accepted their degrees from President Fred Maryanski and Provost Lesley DiMare.
In 2004, Nevada State College’s first commencement included thirteen students. Only four years later, the Class of 2008 is over thirteen times larger, totaling more than 170 students. The graduates were cheered on by a multitude family, friends and faculty, the largest attendance NSC has ever seen for its annual commencement.
After the formal procession of robed faculty and graduating students, Dr. Fred Maryanski welcomed everyone and introduced the distinguished guests that joined him on the stage.
NSHE Regent Mark Alden expressed his congratulations on this great milestone of success and told the graduates that their presence was a clear reflection of dedication and persistence in their education.
Ryan Crowell, President of the Nevada State Student Alliance, complimented the entire Class of 2008 by saying you embody exceptional qualities and you lead through your actions and inspire me and others every day.
Karen Maccanello, a 2008 graduate in Elementary Education, was honored as this year’s Valedictorian. In her address, she commended her fellow graduates by exclaiming, we reached our destination. Speaking as an Education major she also thanked the teachers who went the extra mile and served as role models and set high standards for us as future teachers
Of the graduates who participated in the commencement ceremony, 44 percent represented the Nevada State College School of Education, 29 percent were from the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences and 27 percent were from the School of Nursing.
The day before, on Friday, May 9, 25 of the graduates of the School of Nursing participated in a traditional Pinning Ceremony at the Dragon Ridge Country Club. Each student processed to the stage and was pinned by one or more loved ones. Parents, spouses and children of the graduates participated in the ceremony. Several participating family members were nurses themselves, so the ceremony also acts as a passing of the professional torch. The pin presented to each graduate was designed by a previous graduate of the Nevada State College School of Nursing.
Other awards presented at Saturday’s commencement ceremony included honorary degrees. Both Dr. Christine Chairsell and Dr. Patricia K. Miltenberger were given honorary Master of Arts degrees in recognition of their service to the Nevada System of Higher Education and particularly their roles as Acting Presidents of Nevada State College during NSC’s early history.
The President’s Medal, a new addition to NSC Commencement last year, was awarded to two individuals Selma Bartlett and Richard Perkins. It is an honor conferred on individuals who have proven extraordinary commitment to the mission of Nevada State College. Bartlett has played a central role in the development of the College for over a decade and currently serves as the Treasurer of the Foundation Board of Trustees. Perkins, currently the Henderson Chief of Police, worked diligently to gain support for Nevada State College during his seven terms in the Nevada Assembly.
The final award of the evening, The Regents Scholar Award, was presented by Regent James Dean Leavitt to Christine Pesquiera, a graduate of the NSC School of Education. This award is bestowed upon one undergraduate from each institution within the Nevada System of Higher Education to recognize his or her academic achievements, leadership ability and service contributions. The award totals $5,000, funded by NSHE.
After the awards had been presented, all attending graduates received their degrees amidst roaring applause, flashing cameras and even deafening air horns. The final recession was accompanied by the Nevada State College Brass.
With the addition of the Class of 2008, Nevada State College’s alumni base, in just five short years, is now close to 600 graduates, the vast majority of which work in and actively contribute to Southern Nevada’s growing economy.
To view photos taken during Commencement please go to the Commencement Gallery.
For more information on Nevada State College, call : 702.990.2000 or visit : nsc.edu.
Commencement Ceremony Celebrates NSC’s Class of 2008
