WNC Construction Project Management student Richard Tidrick helps Solista Carson resident 

Harold Iodence mount a TV to the wall.

It was a day that senior citizens at Solista Carson anxiously awaited. It was more than just a visit — it was a day filled with kindness, gratitude, and newfound friendships. Volunteers aren’t often able to step in for those everyday tasks that have become difficult, but on Tuesday night, Western Nevada College’s Construction students did just that, offering their skills and time to improve the lives of local seniors.

Western Nevada College’s Construction program turned compassion into action Tuesday night, as 14 students, led by Construction Project Management Professor Nigel Harrison, visited  the independent senior living community on Long Street to assist with a variety of much-needed repair and assembly projects, turning ordinary tasks into moments of connection.

“This volunteer experience offered our students valuable lessons in community service,” said WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe. “Most importantly, it demonstrated how they can use their skills to support others while experiencing the fulfillment of making a difference. I commend Professor Harrison and his students for dedicating their time to assist the residents of Solista Carson.”

The idea for the volunteer night came about when Solista Carson’s Community Relations Director Kimberly Hallock and Harrison participated in the Carson City Chamber of Commerce Leadership 2024 Class together. Hallock proposed to Harrison the idea of assisting the seniors with repairs and improvements to their residences.

“Nigel readily made it happen,” Hallock said. “We gathered a substantial list from the residents, and they were so grateful to have his students come for the company and the assistance.

“This is also a great community volunteer project that will prepare the students on how to help their future clients.”

The seniors, who live in one-bedroom, two-bedroom and studio apartments, were appreciative of the work that the construction students completed.

“It really helped me,” said Barbara Brumfield, who has lived at Solista Carson for six years. Students Oscar Vasquez and Joshua Silva assembled a freestanding kitchen cabinet for Brumfield so that she can store and access things that she frequently uses. She is no longer able to reach or bend to get things in her regular kitchen cabinets.

“Every bit helps … having the students come here and do what most people take for granted. They were very thorough and I really enjoyed having them here. You can send them here to help anytime!”

Several seniors who didn’t arrange for their projects ahead of time were also accommodated. The students graciously obliged to the seniors’ needs.

“This work gives them time to spend with their families. I think we should do this every semester,” said Sandi Cazarez, who assembled two freestanding shelves for Barbara Yates. As Cazarez worked on assembling the second shelving stand, Yates joked, “You don’t have the mandatory bleeding or christening of the object. That usually happens to me.”

Students also installed lighting and safety bars, mounted TVs on the 

wall, put up framed pictures, removed dead potted plants, made minor plumbing repairs, moved furniture and more.

In addition to Cazarez, participating Construction students included Michael Robinson, Joshua Silva, Richard Tidrick, Ruben Ranteria, Oliver Palmieri, Jay Morris, Rodney Vonahsen, Loren Bales, Charles Rodriguez, Oscar Vasquez, Eric Hobbs, Ryan Rasch and Robert Swain.

“I expected the students to show up and help out, but the personal touches that went into their work and conversations they had with the tenants were above and beyond,” Harrison said. “They truly showed that they cared about what they did. When we were finished, they were all asking when we could do it again.”

Harold Iodence was constantly complimenting Tidrick and Robinson as they took on the task of removing a stubborn TV stand and installing the hardware to hang his TV on his wall.

“They are doing fantastic work! This is great!” he said.

After Morris completed installing lighting under some kitchen cabinets and hanging pictures of Yates’ grandparents from the late 1800s, she acknowledged how meaningful it was to have the students in her apartment.

“This has been wonderful. It’s more important to have them to talk to,” she said. “I’d rather spend time with my children than have them do projects while they are visiting. So, for things like this I say I’m going to put it aside until I can get someone to do it. But there’s never anyone to do this.”

Until Tuesday!

“Now, when did the WNC students say they are coming back to see us?”

To learn more about WNC’s Construction program, visit wnc.edu/areas-construction or contact Professor Harrison at 775-445-4412 or nigel.harrison@wnc.edu.

WNC Construction student Sandi Cazarez poses with Solista Carson resident Barbara Yates after completing some shelving stands for her.

Oscar Vasquez, left, and Joshua Silva of WNC's Construction Project Management program put the finishing touches on assembling a freestanding kitchen cabinet for Barbara Brumfield of Solista Carson.