Physics Professor Tom Herring, right, and Lab Assistant Jordan Dargert teach high school students about science at Western Nevada College on Feb. 19. More than 200 seniors from Carson, Douglas, Yerington, Smith, Dayton, Aspire, Silver Stage and Sierra Lutheran high schools toured the campus over the past two weeks to learn about curriculum and apply for admissions. Admission for the 2016 academic year is now open online at wnc.edu.
Want to make a difference in our community? Come spend an illuminating evening under the galaxy of planets, and help Western Nevada College students reach their own heights.
On Saturday, Aug. 20, the WNC Foundation presents the first “Reach for the Stars” Black Tie Gala” to help meet academic needs, 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at the Jack C. Davis Observatory.
The event will offer community members the opportunity to learn about celestial events, including the Perseid Meteor Shower, and stargaze through telescopes, while assisting the college in funding educational programs.
Proceeds will provide critical academic support to WNC, including assistance to STEM programs such as astronomy and physics.
“Funding is needed to maintain the WNC Observatory that keeps our students, scientists and the community on the edge of the latest technological advances,” said WNC Director of Development Niki Gladys.
Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a live band, dancing under the stars and a silent auction are planned. Beautiful and stunning astrophotographs of the heavens will give the silent auction additional star power.
“This event will really showcase the WNC Observatory and our outstanding group of volunteers and faculty who care for the telescopes, offer free community lectures and prepare our students for careers in science and technology,” said Amy Clemens, Vice Chair of the WNC Foundation. “The observatory at WNC is truly a community treasure. But, because it’s set back behind the college, many people aren’t aware that it exists.”
WNC embraces its role as a vital educator in western Nevada. The WNC Foundation’s primary purpose is to develop funding for academic scholarships and projects critical to academic success.
“For many students, the opportunity to attend a local, reasonably priced college is the only way that they are able to take on the challenge of gaining a post-secondary education,” Gladys said. “At the same time, WNC’s state funding has declined by over 40 percent since 2008, making community support all the more important to institutional sustainability.”
Event sponsors include Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, Greater Nevada Credit Union, and Waddell & Reed. Sponsorships and tickets are still available. Tickets are available for $99 per person and $185 per couple. Attendees can order tickets for a table of eight for $720.
For more information or to purchase tickets, call Jessica Plett at 775-445-3240, or go to wnc.edu/foundation/reach-for-the-stars/. The observatory is located at 2699 Van Patten Ave., just west of the Carson City campus.
WNC to Extend Business Hours to Assist Students
To accommodate students before the start of fall semester, Western Nevada College, Student Services will extend its business hours on four dates.
On the Carson City campus, Admissions and Records, Financial Assistance, Counseling Services, the Business Office/Cashier and Latino Outreach will remain open until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 24; Thursday, Aug. 25; Monday, Aug. 29; and Tuesday, Aug. 30.
For more information, call 775-445-3000.