WNC notes: Nevada Promise Scholarship students need mentors
Western Nevada College Interim President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe, right, celebrates graduates during a 2021 drive-through ceremony at the Carson City campus. WNC will once again hold drive through commencement ceremonies in late May.
Help high school seniors transition to college and groom them for success in higher education. Community members can make this important contribution to students by becoming a mentor in the Nevada Promise Scholarship program at Western Nevada College. Applicants for the Nevada Promise Scholarship must complete a series of requirements to remain eligible for the scholarship, including meeting with a mentor from time to time. “This is an opportunity to share wisdom and expertise with high school students who are eager to learn,” said WNC Officer in Charge, Provost and Vice President of Finance Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe. “Being a mentor will not only help students feel more welcomed at WNC but will also increase their opportunities for success.” Apply to become a mentor online at https://www.wnc.edu/promise#mentorship. Scholarship application deadline April 1 Current and prospective WNC students can ease the financial burden in funding their college education through the college’s foundation. But there is one catch: They must apply by the April 1 deadline. WNC Foundation has more than $700,000 in scholarship funding available for the 2022-23 academic year. Students must be enrolled in at least six units, have a minimum grade-point average of 2.0 and complete the application by the deadline to be eligible. Applicants will be considered for several hundred scholarships when they fill out the application at wnc.edu/scholarships. Some scholarships require financial need, which means that students should make sure to complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid. However, there are many scholarships that do not require a financial need and are awarded based on other factors including community service, military service, academic achievement and career plans. Students who are training or planning to pursue a technology-driven career are also encouraged to apply for the William N. Pennington Foundation Career and Technical Scholarship. WNC offers scholarship funding to students pursuing meaningful careers in fields such as computer information technology/cybersecurity, welding, automotive, machine tool technology, manufacturing, construction, truck driving, and more. Apply at wnc.edu/scholarships. For more information on applying for a scholarship or to start your own scholarship, contact the WNC Foundation at 775-445-3240. Herring selected as NASA airborne astronomy ambassador Western Nevada College Physics Professor Dr. Thomas Herring is among 24 teachers from 13 states who have been selected as a 2022 NASA airborne astronomy ambassador. Presented by Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Institute, AAA is a professional development program for science teachers dedicated to improve science teaching and enhance student learning and STEM engagement. The AAA program includes teachers in community colleges, high schools and middle schools. “I'm excited to learn more about infrared astronomy and bring some great knowledge and curriculum back to the astronomy classrooms at WNC,” said Herring, who also directs Jack C. Davis Observatory overlooking WNC’s Carson City campus. AAA teachers receive training in astrophysics and planetary science, including a week-long STEM immersion experience at a NASA astronomy research facility such as the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy based in Palmdale, Calif., or the Infrared Telescope Facility on Mauna Kea in Hawaii. Following their training, the AAAs teach a physical science curriculum module created by the SETI Institute that connects curriculum concepts to NASA-enabled research. Past controlled-study evaluations of the AAA program have shown statistically significant improvements in student learning and engagement among students whose teachers participated in the program. James Young, from North Valleys High School in Reno, also was selected. 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat' coming in May Mark May 6-15 on your calendar for the Western Nevada Musical Theatre Company’s next musical production. One of the most enduring shows of all time, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” is a reimagining of the biblical story of Joseph, his father Jacob, 11 brothers and the coat of many colors. The magical musical is full of catchy songs in a variety of styles, from a parody of French ballads (“Those Canaan Days”), to country-western (“One More Angel in Heaven”) and calypso (“Benjamin Calypso”), along with the unforgettable classics “Any Dream Will Do” and “Close Every Door.” All performances are on weekends at the Carson City Community Center, located at 851 E. William St, Carson City. For ticket information, go to wnmtc.com. Drive-through grad ceremonies scheduled Western Nevada College will celebrate its 2022 graduates with the popular drive-through ceremonies on its campuses. The celebratory ceremonies are set for May 23 and 24 on the Carson City campus and May 26 on the Fallon campus. “The drive-through ceremonies allow a very personable experience for our graduates, with friends and family at the base of the stage to cheer on their graduate,” said WNC Director of Admissions and Records Dianne Hilliard, who is coordinating graduation ceremonies. “WNC believes the drive-through celebration is a tremendous way to honor our graduates.” The May 23 ceremony will be for Liberal Arts grads: Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees. On May 24, Associate of Business, Applied Science, General Studies and; Bachelor of Applied Science degrees and; those earning Certificate of Achievements will be honored. Fallon graduates will be honored with a ceremony set for May 26. WNC will once again livestream the ceremonies so friends and relatives who are unable to accompany the grad in his or her celebration car or truck can watch the event live. More information about the ceremonies will be provided as graduation nears.
