HENDERSON, Nev. (May 14, 2026) — Nevada State University honored outstanding community leaders and organizations during its third annual Community Awards celebration, recognizing partners whose support has helped expand educational access, strengthen workforce development, and create new opportunities for Nevada students.
The 2026 honorees included Roberto’s Taco Shop, Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada, Walter Hashimoto, Las Vegas Raiders Senior Vice President of Government and Community Relations, Piper Overstreet-White, and the City of North Las Vegas. Each recipient was recognized for demonstrating an ongoing commitment to Nevada State’s mission of student success, community engagement, and educational innovation. Overstreet-White was honored personally for her commitment and outstanding support through her role with the Las Vegas Raiders.
“This amazing institution is built through partnership, driven by purpose, and constantly moving forward,” said Dr. Amber Lopez Lasater, acting president of Nevada State University. “These milestones happen because businesses invest in scholarships, because nonprofits create experiential learning opportunities, because civic leaders expand access to education, and because community advocates believe in our students before those students even believe in themselves. Tonight’s honorees represent exactly that spirit.”
The awards celebration comes at a historic moment for Nevada State. Earlier this month, the university celebrated the largest graduating class in institutional history, with more than 900 graduates crossing the commencement stage. Nevada State also surpassed 10,000 alumni this year, reflecting the university’s continued growth and expanding impact throughout Nevada. More than 60 percent of the 2026 graduating class identified as first-generation college graduates.
Roberto’s Taco Shop was recognized for its longstanding investment in Nevada State students and scholarship support. For more than a decade, the family-owned business has helped remove financial barriers for students pursuing higher education, supporting persistence and degree completion for many first-generation and underserved students across Southern Nevada.
Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada was honored for its collaborative work supporting hands-on learning experiences and career readiness opportunities for Nevada State students. Through educational partnerships and community engagement initiatives, the organization has helped prepare future educators and professionals to serve Nevada’s schools, businesses, and communities.
Community leader Walter Hashimoto received recognition for his continued service, mentorship, and advocacy on behalf of the university. A dedicated supporter of Nevada State’s mission, Hashimoto has contributed leadership and guidance that have strengthened institutional partnerships and supported the university’s long-term growth.
Piper Overstreet-White, Senior Vice President of Government and Community Relations for the Las Vegas Raiders, was recognized for her commitment and outstanding support of Nevada State Athletics. Through her role with the Raiders, her early support helped advance the university’s vision for student-athlete opportunities and contributed to the excitement and momentum surrounding Nevada State’s inaugural athletics program, which officially launched during the 2025–26 academic year.
The City of North Las Vegas received recognition for its partnership in the development of Nevada State’s future North Las Vegas campus, scheduled to open in fall 2027. The campus expansion represents a major investment in educational access, workforce development, and economic mobility for one of the fastest-growing regions in the state.
“Nevada State’s growth and success are only possible because of partnerships like these,” said Erin Keller, vice president of advancement at Nevada State University. “Our community partners continue to invest in students, strengthen pathways to opportunity, and help us create transformative experiences that will impact Nevada for generations to come.”
Nevada State University’s Community Awards celebrate individuals and organizations whose leadership, philanthropy, and collaboration advance the university’s mission and positively impact students and the broader Southern Nevada community.
Media Contacts Maria Marinch-Gibbons, DPP, Nevada State University press@nevadastate.edu, 702-313-0805 Cell