Few people at Western Nevada Colleges dont know Larry Manuel Garcia-Castillo by now.

You might have met or noticed him during a student government activity, a Student Life function such as the Easter Fiesta or a Student Leadership Summit. Or maybe he took the time to help you locate a class on campus, or if youre really fortunate, he confidently shared one of his trademark poses.

More likely, youve seen him on campus as a dedicated student. After all, Garcia-Castillo has been at WNC for four years working on his Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management. He will graduate as part of WNCs 2022 Commencement Class on Tuesday.

Garcia-Castillo, however, didnt enroll at WNC to work in Construction Management.

I attended WNC initially to earn an associate degree in order to not just be part of the college experience but also figure out what I wanted to do as my future career later on in life, he said. So, I continued my higher educationto spark a light of passion within myself for a future longing career.

That spark came almost immediately in Construction Management and a flood light has spotlighted the program and the career possibilities for him ever since.

Ive always had a passion for being a part of the building process of residential building, especially with my background experience in the landscaping business, Garcia-Castillo said. At first, I intended to transfer to UNR for Civil Engineering but saw that managerial would best suit my work qualities, so I decided to stay at WNC.

The Wolf Packs loss has been the Wildcats gain.

While Garcia-Castillo has pursued his academic goals, he has been one of the most active students on campus. Student engagement began for him by joining the Associated Students of Western Nevada, participating in representing the student body and organizing events to help students meet other students and release some stress from studying.

I saw the many opportunities that would benefit me from integrating myself to the community here at this campus, he said. I have made long-lasting connections some of those individuals started as just coworkers and now have grown into some of the best friends Ive met here at WNC.These individuals I hope they know that Im very thankful for letting me be part of their life journey as they have been a great part of mine.

In the past several semesters, he has been instrumental in helping students who need food and hygiene items from Wildcat Reserve.

Larrys contributions to ASWN and Student Life over the past several years have been significant and hes helped WNC become a better place for the students he represented, said WNC Student Life Coordinator and ASWN Advisor Heather Rikalo. The friendships that he made in the Student Center have helped him grow. We will miss Larrys infectious personality and the ways he made us laugh, but we know that wherever Larry goes, he will succeed.

Garcia-Castillo isnt through with higher education. In the future he plans to apply to UNLVs Master of Architecture program. Until then, hell put his bachelors degree to work.

I honestly am just excited to get into the field and attain some hands-on experience for a couple of years, he said. Once Ive obtained my masters degree, I plan to be a great resource for my community and be a successful individual in the residential construction field.

For individuals considering whether they want to pursue a bachelors degree in Construction, Garcia-Castillo has a simple formula to persuade you: I wouldnt call myself a business major but Affordable + Amazing Program = Where do I sign? But, really, if you are interested in the construction field, it would be ashame to not consider the bachelors program here at WNC. With its passionate instructors and informative knowledge that Ive been provided, there is no ounce of regret I have for pursuing this degree.

Now, for the big question: How should Larry Manuel Garcia-Castillo be remembered at WNC?

I want them to remember me as a student who made their experience here at WNC much more memorable, he said. I honestly loved my whole experience here in this program, even through the changes of the pandemic. I was still able to experience so much hands-on teaching.