Support from NV Energy Foundation enhances hands-on learning and program resources

Western Nevada College (WNC) construction students recently applied their classroom skills to a real-world project—helping to renovate the Genoa Town Office. The students assisted in installing a new wall in the town’s meeting room on March 15, effectively creating a dedicated office space for the town manager.

Town Manager Jody Brunz expressed her appreciation for the collaboration. “The students worked on the change to the offices on March 15,” she said. “My husband has been working on some of the finishing since.”

The project was part of WNC’s Construction Management program, which continues to expand its impact in the region through practical, community-focused projects. The initiative was bolstered by a recent $50,000 donation from the NV Energy Foundation, further supporting student development and enhancing program capabilities.

“NV Energy Foundation is a visionary partner for WNC that has repeatedly made donations to help our students and improve their college experience on campus,” said WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe.

A major portion of the donation allowed the program to acquire BlueBeam construction software—a professional-grade tool used for PDF markups, digital workflows, and project collaboration. The investment reflects the college’s focus on preparing students with industry-standard tools and practical experience before they enter the workforce.

The college’s Minden campus, not far from Genoa, offers opportunities for students to engage in similar hands-on work that blends academic learning with community service. As WNC looks to the upcoming academic terms, registration is now open for continuing and returning students via their myWNC accounts.

New students can begin registering on April 14. Class schedules for summer and fall are already available at wnc.edu/class-schedule. To help students make informed decisions about their education paths, WNC has also released its 2025–26 Academic Program Guide, available at wnc.edu/academic-program-guide.

For those looking to start their journey at WNC, the first step is enrolling through wnc.edu/admissions. Details on the enrollment process can be found at wnc.edu/starthere. Advising appointments are available online or by calling 775-445-3267 (Carson City campus) or 775-445-3379 (Fallon campus).

The summer session is scheduled to run from June 9 to August 2, while the fall semester begins on August 25.

Through partnerships, real-world learning, and growing community involvement, WNC continues to provide its students with skills that go beyond the classroom—building both their futures and the future of Nevada communities.

Originally reported by Kurt Hildebrand in The Record-Courier.