Western Nevada College Foundation is thrilled to welcome a new neighbor near the Douglas campus.

Minden RV & Boat Storage has already earned good neighbor status by donating a $50,000 endowment to WNC Foundation for student scholarships.

"We are so thankful for the support of our community. This generous endowed gift from Minden RV & Boat Storage not only helps remove financial barriers for our students but also strengthens the college’s ability to invest in the future of our community," said WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe.

Sierra Management Group (SMG) has been operating RV & Boat self-storage facilities in Northern Nevada for more than 20 years and is pleased to support WNC in students well into the future.

“Through a mutually beneficial arrangement, the idea of an endowment came up and we were excited for the opportunity,” said Dan Carter, wealth manager for SMG. “We are eager to support all students at WNC. Self-storage operation covers a variety of backgrounds. We, as managers of the facility, have business degrees but work with various other professions including engineers, environmental scientists, and hydrologists on a regular basis.”

From Carter’s perspective in his professional career, he knows how important a college degree can be in a student’s life. Providing more students with access to higher education and the financial support to continue their education resonates well with him and SMG.

“I could not be successful in my current job or throughout my career without the knowledge I gained through higher education,” Carter said. “I would encourage all individuals to pursue higher education, and hope that our endowment makes that possible for someone who maybe otherwise wouldn't have the opportunity.”

Reflecting on the community-minded spirit of Minden RV & Boat Storage, Niki Gladys, Chief Advancement Officer and Executive Director of the Foundation added, “This endowment provides us with the flexibility to award scholarships to students with the greatest need, making a real difference in their lives and in our community.”

For information on scholarship opportunities or starting an endowment through WNC Foundation, phone 775-445-3240 or email foundation@wnc.edu.