Western Nevada College’s Fallon Commencement Ceremony embraced a new home and an uplifting spirit on May 20 as graduates, families and supporters gathered at Rafter 3C Arena to celebrate the Class of 2026.

The new venue reflected both the continued growth of the college’s Fallon campus and the increasing number of graduates participating in commencement ceremonies.

The ceremony celebrated achievement, perseverance and opportunity as graduates crossed the stage to receive their degrees and certificates in front of cheering family members and friends.

WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe welcomed graduates with humor and encouragement, joking with students that the ceremony was already over following the introduction of speakers before pausing for laughter. Continuing a commencement tradition, Dalpe also took a celebratory selfie with the graduates, reminding them to smile and “not throw anything.”

But the president also emphasized the deeper meaning behind the ceremony and the role community colleges play in changing lives.

“Today is a celebration of achievement, opportunity and perseverance, but it is also something larger,” Dalpe said. “It is a reminder of the vital role community colleges play in communities like ours. For many students, community college simply isn’t one option among many — it is the option. It’s where dreams begin, second chances are embraced, careers are launched and lives are changed. It is a place where you can Start Here and Go Anywhere.”

Nevada System of Higher Education Chancellor Matt McNair attended the ceremony and congratulated graduates on reaching this important milestone.

The keynote address was delivered by Northern Nevada author and technology executive Stephen Jon Thompson, author of “Hotel Goodbyes: Grief, Forgiveness, and Learning to Live Again.” Thompson shared his personal journey of resilience, recounting how his life began in difficult circumstances after he and his siblings were abandoned in a motel room.

Rather than allowing hardship to define him, Thompson spoke about how education transformed his future and encouraged graduates to “Believe, Believe, Believe” in themselves, embrace their journey and surround themselves with people who support and believe in them.
Additional remarks were provided by Nevada Board of Regents member Carol Del Carlo and Associated Students of Western Nevada President Karla Salas Dominguez, both of whom congratulated graduates and encouraged them as they move into the next chapter of their lives.

The ceremony concluded with graduates celebrating alongside loved ones in a morning filled with pride, inspiration and excitement for the future.

Congratulations, Class of 2026 graduates!