Graduates‼️Who is excited for tomorrow? 🎓

(SLIDE 1) Ana Karen Segura is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with a Concentration in Special Education. To Ana, completing her degree represents perseverance, resilience, and purpose. As a five-year-old, she ...immigrated to the United States and began working at 16 to help pay rent. She remained committed to her educational goals, demonstrating a strong growth mindset. A critical thinker about issues affecting
children and families, she now models this for her own children and students. She will be teaching third grade in Northern Nevada, where she lives with her family.

(SLIDE 2) Aristotle Sebastian Wills is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Data Science.
Aris is known in the data science program for his hard work, insight, and collaborative spirit. “Aris drives collaboration more than any student in my classes,” says his mentor.“ He doesn’t just participate in group work; he brings students together to discuss topics and assignments,
and to work together to solve problems.” Incorporating his outside interests, he recreated a Pokémon battle game complete with character selection, attacks, and strengths/weaknesses tables an impressive project for an introductory level course.

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2 days left till commencement! Today we celebrate more honorable students receiving degrees this weekend. 👩‍🎓

(SLIDE 1) Kayana K. Rasmussen is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Kayana began pursuing her Nevada State nursing degree at 16 years old. While balancing ...her rigorous studies, she worked on campus as a PALS, student tutor, and participated in new student orientation events. Her journey reflects the dedication and commitment that led her to earn her degree. She is a shining light who embodies Caritas values and will be a gain for the nursing field.

(SLIDE 2) Jaidaella Jo Rich is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Pathology. First- generation student Jaidaella was inspired after watching speech-language pathologists work with her autistic brother. Her professors note that her energy and enthusiasm are infectious, but she is also resilient and preserving, even after losing her father to a difficult illness. These experiences shaped her desire to advocate for patients and families with empathy, meeting them where they are and helping them feel heard. She plans to continue her studies, pursuing a master’s degree.

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Only 3 days left till graduation! 🥳Here are some more incredible graduates from the Class of 2026.

(SLIDE 1) Kevin Jesus Hernandez is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Kevin
joined Nevada State from CSN in 2023. His original research with Dr. Pete Martini and Dr. ...Jakob Mauer garnered him a presentation invitation to a national research conference in New Mexico. He has served in leadership positions for Psi Chi. Dr. Shantal Marshall says,“ Kevin
always has his fellow students in mind as he spearheads creating fun and engaging events
his goal has been to create meaningful community around psychology.”He plans to begin
a Ph.D. program this fall, eventually becoming a faculty member.

(SLIDE 2) Maren McElroy Mandelis is graduating with a Bachelor of Science
in Biology degree. Maren discovered her love of science through National Parks travels with her parents. Homeschooled after her father’s disability diagnosis, she did not receive a structured science education. At age 20, she began studies at CSN before coming to Nevada State, where she has engaged in a variety of cell and molecular biology research. Her work with Dr. Nicholas Arnet has enabled her to research lactose amounts present in milk samples.

(SLIDE 3) Aiden Michael Cruz Okazaki is graduating with a Bachelor of Science
in Secondary Education with a Concentration in Biology degree. Graduating with dual degrees in biology and secondary education with a biology concentration, Aiden is passionate about learning and teaching science. He completed his student teaching at a magnet school
for environmental science, where he brought his dedication to both scientific inquiry and effective pedagogy into the classroom. His combination of content knowledge and passion for teaching makes him well-prepared to inspire the next generation of scientists.

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T-4 days till commencement! Help us honor three more amazing graduates walking the stage this Saturday. 🧑‍🎓

(SLIDE 1) Danielle Day-Hines is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree. Danielle wears many hats at Nevada State stellar student, experimental writer, ...compassionate mentor,
and advocate for the humanities. An innovative writing specialist, she models excellence
while challenging herself and others. She won the 2025 URCW poster competition and
served on a creative writing panel. As vice president of the Blue Sage Writers Guild, she is drafting a collection of stories for her Honors project and has participated in the Henderson Reads Book Festival. She hopes to attend a graduate program in creative writing.

(SLIDE 2) Chantell Dinae Frecsko is graduating with a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology degree. Her previous life enabled Chantell to interact with thousands of tourists, and her new journey as a speech-language pathologist will enable her to continue interacting with people in a different manner. Especially passionate about her work in feeding and swallowing across the lifespan, Chantell values strong team relationships and supporting families through evidence-
based, functional interventions that improve quality of life. She will continue her persistent desire to learn and an even stronger desire to apply what she has learned
to bring joy to others.

(SLIDE 3) Stephanie Fuentes is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Inspired by her nieces and nephews who remind her why courage and education matter,
Stephanie, a casino cook, desired to help others. While continuing her job, she sacrificed much to complete nursing school. She has a goal of becoming a CRNA through the RN to BSN program, even though she was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year. She strives to strengthen her knowledge, grow as a leader, and remain a compassionate nurse.

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With commencement just five days away, we’re proud to highlight a few of our outstanding graduates! 🎓

(SLIDE 1) Betsy Adilene Antonio Garcia is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts In History with a Pre-Law Concentration. Betsy’s knowledge of legal systems, social movements, and ...advocacy-
driven change sharpens her critical thinking, research, and analytical skills. The History Department strengthened her career preparation and roles including Dreamer’s Club president and student senator demonstrated her commitment. Her legal work provided experience, while balancing academic responsibilities and active engagement. She plans to attend law school to pursue expanded access to justice.

(SLIDE 2) Stephen Back is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Stephen, a United States Navy veteran, pursued a Bachelor of Science in Nursing to make a positive difference in mental health advocacy. His educational journey demonstrated his perseverance, determination, and compassion. As a Supplemental Instruction Leader, he assisted students in the lab and, according to a professor, “will be an extraordinary nurse and a powerful advocate for those navigating mental health challenges.”

(SLIDE 3) Yulia Batista Dorta is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Yulia started college early, during her junior year at Nevada State High School. A Cuban immigrant at 11 years old, this first-generation student views education as a source of opportunity and hope. She has worked full-time while pursuing her degree, while obtaining her health and life insurance licenses. With a goal to become a loan officer, Yulia is also an active community volunteer and mentor, believing that obstacles do not define individuals—they prepare them.

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Today, the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents approved the appointment of Dr. Sandra B. Richtermeyer as the new president of Nevada State University.

The Board of Regents also expressed gratitude to Dr. Amber Lopez Lasater for her steadfast leadership during the ...transition.

Dr. Richtermeyer will take office on Aug. 1, 2006. Congratulations to Dr. Richtermeyer from the Nevada State Community! We proudly welcome her to join Nevada State University during an unprecedented time of momentum.