The spirit of community, kindness and selflessness was on full display Tuesday afternoon as students from Western Nevada College dedicated their time and talents to serve residents at Solista Carson senior living community.

For many of the residents, the return of the student volunteers was a highly anticipated moment. After experiencing the inaugural service project last year, seniors eagerly looked forward to another opportunity to connect with the students and receive a helping hand.

Led by Construction Project Management Professor Nigel Harrison, 10 of his students spent the afternoon and evening assisting residents with a variety of household tasks — fixing, hanging and assembling items that can often be challenging for seniors to complete on their own.

“I am extremely grateful for this opportunity to give back to our community,” Harrison said. “Being the WNC Construction Program lead, I take full liberty in instilling a service-based mentality in my students. Anyone can go to work and complete a task, but leaving positive, lasting impressions is what makes us human and creates community.”

Residents of Solista Carson, who live independently in one- and two-bedroom and studio apartments, benefited from the students’ technical skills and willingness to serve — allowing them to complete projects without placing additional burdens on family members. The residents provided a list of projects ahead of time, and Professor Harrison assigned his students work until it was completed early Tuesday evening.

Beyond providing free handyperson services, the experience fostered meaningful connections between generations. Students spent time getting to know the residents, sharing conversations and forming bonds that extended far beyond the tasks at hand.

For student Junior Montes, it was more than an opportunity to help community members. He also learned more about building and became better acquainted with his classmates.

“We help out people who can’t do these projects,” Montes said. “It makes me feel good because I’m helping out someone who can’t do this and put a smile on their faces.”

Montes and classmate Kenneth Boyle built a cabinet for resident Pauletta May.

“I’ve seen some smiles, and it’s been wonderful … people are genuinely excited to see us and we are able to provide them with this special community service that helps them get things done,” Boyle said.

Charlie Loya and Joshua Silva’s ability to complete their project pleased resident Beverly Osowski, who had been patiently waiting to have a curtain rod mounted in her living room.

“I would rehire them,” said Beverly, who even offered the students a pizza, which they unfortunately couldn’t accept.

The husband-and-wife team of Austin and Ali Tucker delighted resident Barbara Serling with their precise and professional hanging of her Monet and van Gogh paintings. Austin has already graduated from WNC’s Construction Project Management program and Ali will graduate from the same program in May.

“It reminds them of their grandchildren,” said Kimberly Hallock, Community Relations Director for Solista Carson, of the interaction between students and the residents. “It also gives the students the opportunity to understand how to relate to an older generation that they will work with in the future. So many residents don’t have family nearby or the financial means to hire help. It is a win-win for everyone involved, and it warms our hearts to see this interaction.”

The idea for the volunteer initiative originated when Hallock and Harrison participated in the Carson City Chamber of Commerce Leadership Institute program in 2024. What began as a shared vision has now grown into a meaningful annual tradition that strengthens community ties.

As the day concluded, it was clear that the impact of the event extended far beyond completed repairs. It created lasting memories, strengthened community bonds and exemplified the power of service learning.

“Opportunities like this truly represent the heart of Western Nevada College,” said WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe. “Our students are not only developing valuable career skills, but they are also learning the importance of service, compassion and connection. Seeing them use their talents to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our senior community is inspiring. This partnership reflects the power of education to bring generations together and strengthen the communities we proudly serve.”

For more information about Western Nevada College’s Construction program, contact Professor Harrison at 775-445-4412 or nigel.harrison@wnc.edu.

 

Ali and Austin Tucker align a painting for a resident of Carson Solista.

 

WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe visits with Solista Carson resident Shirley Woods.