College to graduate largest class

Western Nevada Community College will graduate its largest class ever and award a record number of degrees and certificates.

"We are excited about it," said college spokesman Mike Greenan. "It shows people in the community support our institution and are coming here for an education."

The college will honor 385 students who earned 421 associate degrees or certificates of achievement in two ceremonies in Carson City and Fallon.

Graduates from the Carson City campus will receive their diplomas during a commencement ceremony Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the community center's auditorium.

Fallon students will be honored Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Churchill County High School.

Las Vegas mayor Oscar Goodman will be Carson City's commencement speaker.

"It should be very interesting and entertaining," Greenan said. "He's supposed to be a very engaging speaker. I think the students and their families will enjoy the talk."

Goodman was elected the 19th mayor of Las Vegas in June 1999, after serving as an attorney in the city since 1964.

Fallon graduates will hear a commencement address given by the college's 2000 teacher of the year, Dr. Doris Dwyer, professor of history and humanities at WNCC since 1980.

Dwyer often gives historical presentations to schools and other organizations and is chairwoman of the Churchill County Library Board.

A special pinning ceremony will be held Tuesday at 3 p.m. in the community center for students graduating from the nursing program.

This year's youngest graduate is 18 and the oldest is 76.

IF YOU GO

What: Carson City campus ceremony

When: Tuesday 7 p.m.

Where: Carson City Community Center auditorium

What: Fallon campus ceremony

When: Wednesday 7 p.m.

Where: Churchill County High School