Nevada State University Celebrates Inaugural Graduation Ceremony
Nevada State University witnessed a significant milestone with its class of 2024 as it held its first commencement ceremony since its transition from a college to a university. The ceremony saw 822 students aged between 20 and 66 receiving their diplomas, with degrees conferred across more than 65 majors and minors. The diverse graduating class featured a medical professional dedicated to honoring her grandmother, a first-generation college graduate, and a military veteran following his mother's path.
The ceremony, which took place at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, highlighted the achievements of the students and the growth of the institution. The nursing program boasted the highest number of graduates, followed by those in liberal arts, sciences, and business. Among the alumni was Daniel Sanchez, who completed his communications degree in six years and described higher education as a blessing.
Three honorary master's degrees were also awarded during the event. Recipients included Kelly Maxwell, Executive Director of Baby's Bounty, Federico Zaragoza, and Sandra Douglass Morgan, the President of the Las Vegas Raiders, who also delivered the commencement address. This graduating class was the first to have 'University' printed on their diplomas, following the official renaming of Nevada State College to Nevada State University in June 2023. The university's alumni network has now grown to a total of 8,500 since its inception in 2002.
