Western Nevada College News
Campagni Auto Group, Carson City Toyota Drive Opportunity for WNC Students
May 1, 2025
From left, Western Nevada College President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe; Jeff Campagni, General Manager of the Dick Campagni Auto Group; and Niki Gladys, WNC Chief Advancement Officer and Foundation Executive Director. Campagni visited the college’s Automotive Mechanics shop on April 23.
For students at Western Nevada College, having strong community champions can change everything. One of the most generous and impactful of those champions is the Campagni Auto Group, including Carson City Toyota. Their ongoing commitment to supporting education and workforce development continues to create life-changing opportunities for local students.
In a powerful show of support this year, the Campagni Auto Group awarded $5,000 in scholarships to WNC students pursuing associate degrees and careers in automotive mechanics. Their generosity removes barriers and opens doors — helping students gain the skills they need to thrive in our community.
“The Campagni Auto Group and Carson City Toyota have truly given WNC students a better chance at succeeding in college,” said WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe. “This partnership benefits not only our students — it plays a vital role in preparing them to become contributing members of our society.”
Many students would not be able to pursue a college education without this kind of support. Some rely on the scholarships to attend WNC and pursue high-demand careers in Northern Nevada. Others are able to reduce their work hours and focus more fully on their education thanks to this vital financial assistance.
“We have seen the difference our scholarship funding has made with students attending Western Nevada College and its Automotive Mechanics program,” said Jeff Campagni, general manager of the Dick Campagni Auto Group. “This scholarship was designed to help people who live here become successful and make a difference in their community.
The 2024-2025 Dick Campagni Automotive Scholarship recipients include Emma Carpenter, Caitlynn Cummings, Lila Kaufmann, Ximena Mata Sanchez, Audrie McGarry, Alan Morales, and Audrey Wood.
The impact of Campagni Auto Group and Carson City Toyota extends well beyond scholarships and classroom support.
Several years ago, the Campagni team partnered with WNC and the Nevada Department of Corrections to launch an automotive mechanics training program at the Northern Nevada Correctional Center. In Fall 2023, the program welcomed its first students through an Introduction to General Mechanics course — creating new opportunities for incarcerated individuals preparing for their release. To further support these students, the Campagni Auto Group also funds scholarships for WNC’s Higher Education in Prison program.
Their commitment to student success continues in other areas as well. The Campagni Auto Group is a proud supporter of the annual WNC Golf for Education Tournament, generously donating hole-in-one prizes — including a $10,000 grand prize.
“We’re so grateful for the way Dick Campagni Auto Group and Carson City Toyota show up for our students,” said Niki Gladys, WNC Chief Advancement Officer and Foundation Executive Director. “Their support helps make dreams possible — giving students the encouragement and resources they need to reach their goals and build a better future for themselves and our communities.”
The WNC Foundation is currently accepting scholarship applications for the 2025-2026 academic year. Students can apply at wnc.edu/scholarships. A single application qualifies students for multiple scholarship opportunities. The deadline is June 2, 2025.
The WNC Foundation collaborates with local businesses, service groups, and individual donors to award hundreds of scholarships to area students. All students are encouraged to apply.
For more information about the WNC Foundation or to start your own scholarship, call 775-445-3240 or email foundation@wnc.edu.