WNC notes: Student government president earns Regents’ award

Go-getter. Self-starter. Achiever. All of these superlatives describe Western Nevada College student government President Suzanna Stankute and support why she received the 2024 Nevada System of Higher Education's Sam Lieberman Regents' award.

Stankute has already graduated from WNC, earning an Associate of Arts degree in 2023, and will graduate again this spring with an Associate of Applied Science degree in deaf studies.

Before attending college, Stankute was an active member of the Boy Scouts of America and is the second female Eagle Scout in Nevada. She began her studies at WNC in 2021, as the world was emerging from a health pandemic.

As a former homeschool student, Stankute appreciates the hard work of her parents in providing her with a good education and ultimately deciding to let her join WNC’s dual enrollment program.

While studying at WNC, Stankute has discovered a love for creative writing, particularly screenwriting, thanks to English Professor Swenson, who shared the same passion. She continues to write books and screenplays, inspired by her professor's guidance.

In her final year in pursuit of an Associate of Arts degree, Stankute needed to fulfill the foreign language requirement and chose an American Sign Language class. While she was timid at first, from the first day of class, she was captivated by the language and culture; her professor, Cindy Frank; interpreter Shannon Council; and the class staff who helped facilitate her learning.

During her ASL 3 and 4 classes, Stankute learned more about deaf culture and the need for interpreters in schools. She decided to pursue becoming an ASL interpreter and is immersed in WNCs Deaf Studies program with plans to transfer to the University of Nevada, Reno.

A focal point of her time at WNC has been her involvement in student government, starting as a senator with the Associated Students of Western Nevada. In 2022, Stankute was appointed ASWN president and continued in that role for the 2023-24 school year.

Stankute also sits on different college committees and has served on the Legislative Committee for Funding in Higher Education. In addition, Stankute presides as the 2023-24 Nevada Student Alliance chair, advocating for the state’s higher education students and their needs.

Summer, fall schedules available

Registration opens for summer and fall classes in April.

Returning and continuing students can register starting Monday, April 1, while new students can begin registering Monday, April 8.

A list of classes is accessible at www.wnc.edu/class-schedule. Individuals planning to attend WNC for the first time can apply for admission at www.wnc.edu/starthere.

Summer session begins Monday, June 10 and the fall semester starts Monday, Aug. 26.

For information, call 775-445-3277.

Foundation scholarship applications due April 1

Western Nevada College Foundation scholarship applications must be completed by Monday, April 1 to be considered for more than 300 scholarships ranging anywhere from $500 to $5,000.

The scholarships are for the 2024-25 school year.

Fill out the form at https://wnc.awardspring.com/.

For information, email foundation@wnc.edu or visit www.wnc.edu/scholarships.