By Mandi Enger
Nevada State College (NSC) was proud to celebrate its spring commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 11, at 10 a.m., at the Henderson Pavilion. Approximately 315 students participated in the ceremony joined by administrators, faculty, staff, Nevada Board of Regents members, NSC Foundation Board of Trustees representatives, other elected officials, friends, and family.
During the ceremony, NSC President Bart Patterson addressed the class of 2013, Graduates, you have made your family and Nevada State College proud. I hope you will always take pride in Nevada State College and visit often to watch Your NSC grow as an institution, knowing that you continue to play a part in that growth.
Top degree programs represented by the 2013 class include Bachelor of Science in Nursing (37 percent), Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education (15 percent), Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (12 percent), Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (9.5 percent), and Bachelor of Arts in Speech Pathology (5 percent). The class is 81 percent female, 19 percent male, with over half of the population between the ages of 22 and 34.
Two President’s Medal Awards were presented during the ceremony. Recipients included Rod A. Davis, Senior Vice President, Dignity Health and President/CEO, St. Rose Dominican Hospitals, Siena Campus; and Dr. Linda E. Young, Clark County School Board of Trustees. Each year the award is bestowed upon distinguished local leaders and philanthropists who have shown extraordinary commitment to the mission of NSC.
Continuing a tradition that began in 2012, the college recognized several students from each school by sharing their individual success stories with attendees.
Melina Arriaza, a student from the School of Education was in the spotlight for her enthusiasm for her coursework, involvement in Kappa Delta Pi and the Student Council for Exceptional Children, as well as her participation in a NASA science program for future educators.
From the School of Nursing, Rachel Woolard was acknowledged for her achievements as a member of the National Guard, a nursing student, student lab assistant, and a mother.
Stephanie Fisher, a first-generation college student and History major was congratulated for her dedication to her studies and role as the founding President of the NSC History Society.
The Physical and Life Sciences department recognized Delceta Morgan, an Environmental and Resource Science student for her passion towards photography, web and graphic design as well as her contributions to the community. Raised on Navajo tribal lands in New Mexico, Morgan recently presented on the impact of mining on the health of the Navajo Nation.
From Business Administration, Patricia Schrader was honored for her commitment to her studies as she worked towards a 4-year degree with the goal to advance her career opportunities as a county employee.
Psychology major James Wood was highlighted for his work with the Andson Foundation to study the effectiveness of their financial literacy program for students at a local elementary school. Wood will be continuing his education at UNLV’s William S. Boyd School of Law with a full scholarship.
We must never forget the opportunity that Nevada State College gave to us on our path to greatness, student speaker and 2013 graduate Corey Womble shared with his class, reminding them of the courage and strength of NSC that is represented through its history as well as its individual students and graduates. Congratulations Class of 2013, we have arrived.
College celebrates accomplishments of graduates during spring commencement ceremony
