WNC graduates told ‘The world is counting on you’

Western Nevada College honored graduates from Fallon and Fernley at a May 23 commencement for the Class of 2024.

WNC approved a record-breaking 617 graduates from all the communities it serves. Graduates earned 692 degrees and certificates, including 168 “Jump Start students who received an associate degree alongside their high school diploma.

WNC President J. Kyle Dalpe gave the opening remarks and conferred the degrees at Thursday’s ceremony at the City-County Gym in Fallon.

“We are very proud of the 2024 graduating class for making sacrifices and having the perseverance and resilience to accomplish this outstanding educational achievement,” Dalpe said.

Dalpe brought laughs from the audience as he took his now-traditional “selfie” photo with the graduates from the stage. The diverse group came from all walks of life, from all over Nevada and 11 other states, ranged in age from 17 to 68 and represented 13 Nevada high schools, Dalpe said.

Capt. Shane Tanner, commanding officer of Naval Air Station Fallon, delivered the keynote address. Tanner has spent more 25 years in the U.S. Navy as a carrier aviator. He graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor of science in Community Health and holds a master of arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College. He also graduated from the Joint Forces Staff College with Full Joint Qualification, the Carrier Airborne Early Warning Weapons School and United States Navy Strike Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN).

Referencing his experience during the events of Sept. 11, 2001 along with the dissertation of President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt, Tanner shared a brief reflection on the responsibilities of citizens who live in a republic through the values of scholarship, service, leadership, character and inspiration.

“In moments you will commence into society as an educated, scholarly citizen who will serve, produce, educate, heal and build your community, your state and your nation,” Tanner said. “And no matter what you go to do after today, by the very nature of being who you are, you will be actively participating in the preservation of our republic. Therefore, it is worth our time to identify, understand and live our values if we even hope to successfully protect, preserve and pass on our way of life.

Tanner encouraged the graduates to think big but start small.

“I have found that if I want to change the world then I need only carefully, patiently change the world immediately around me. And that change starts with me,” he said.

The NAS Fallon commander said generations of Americans have had their test.

“The bonds that hold this republic together and the values of our citizens have been challenged time and again,” he said. “Current events in the world and at home demonstrate as much. And you, my fellow citizens, must be ready. The world is counting on you.”

Associated Students of Western Nevada President, Regents’ Scholar Award recipient and 2024 graduate Suzanna Stankute also encouraged the graduates to contribute to society.

“Each of us is a testament to the power of resilience and the unwavering spirit that resides within us,” Stankute said. “Let us be the change agents, the catalysts for progress and innovation in our respective fields. Let us utilize the skills, knowledge and experiences we have gained to create a positive impact on our communities, to uplift others who may be in need, and to advocate for the causes we hold dear.

“It is our duty to utilize our talents and education for the greater good.”

Graduates and faculty took a moment after the ceremony to share advice, gratitude and plans.

Gracie Cosman stressed the importance of asking for help and said it required a lot of family support for her to successfully complete her degree.

“It takes a village to raise a kid. It also takes a village to get through high school and college,” she said.

Cosman will attend the University of Saint Mary seeking a nursing major and a minor in art therapy.

“My brother was sick for a long time and I noticed how amazing a nurse can make a difference,” she said. “I want to be that difference in the world.”

Daniel Madera and Samantha McKern both said that they appreciated the flexibility of completing courses online in between work and everyday life. Madera will be pursuing chemical engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno in the fall. McKern intends to complete her business degree and become co-owner of a graphic design studio.

Commencement Grand Marshall Gary Evett has spent 31 years as a professor of physical science and doctor of philosophy. Evett said he hopes to motivate his students to become independent thinkers in addition to learning the class material.

“I succeed as a teacher when my students succeed,” he said.

Sarah Polish, Oasis Academy co-valedictorian and Jump Start Student of the Year, said her favorite WNC course was Psychology 101 with professor Rebecca Bevans. Polish will attend Brigham Young University, Provo in the fall with a psychology major. She hopes to eventually become a school counselor.

Fernley High School Jump Start graduate Joshua Luis will attend the University of Nevada, Reno on a path to becoming a mechanical engineer. Luis said his favorite part of the WNC program was the relationships with the professors and teachers.

“It’s a very positive environment.,” he said. “They all help bring you up and they help you get to where you need to be. It’s really just an amazing experience. It’s rough, it’s hard, but I think it’ll be worth it.”