The College of Southern Nevada will graduate its largest class ever at its 49th annual commencement ceremony May 15 at Sam Boyd Stadium.
A record 3,882 students are eligible to receive 4,002 degrees and certificates, according to preliminary data. Official numbers for spring 2021 will be available once grades are final.
In the last decade, CSN has seen more than 25,000 students earn their degrees and certificates and go on to fuel the growth and diversification of the Southern Nevada economy.
“I am so incredibly proud of our graduates, who have persevered through an unprecedented year of hardship,” said CSN President Dr. Federico Zaragoza. “The record size of this year’s graduating class is testament to the determination of everyone at CSN to empower our students and communities achieve, succeed and prosper — no matter the obstacles.”
In addition to college officials and our Student Commencement Speaker Sharica Lee, scheduled to address the graduates are U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto and U.S. Rep. Susie Lee.
Nearly one in four students in this year’s graduating class are the first in their families to earn a college degree. One-third of the graduates are Hispanic. More than 90 percent of CSN’s graduates remain in Nevada after graduation, electing to either continue their education by transferring to a four-year institution or join the workforce and fuel the region’s economy.
Media are invited to attend the ceremony. Interviews with college officials and outstanding graduates are available.
What: CSN’s 49th Annual Commencement Ceremony
When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 15
Where: Sam Boyd Stadium 7000 East Russell Road, Las Vegas
Masks are mandatory for all attendees, temperatures will be checked upon entry, and social distancing guidelines will be in effect.
CSN 2021 Outstanding Graduates
Adrian Edward Bell Adrian Edward Bell earned the Regents’ Scholar award from the Nevada System of Higher Education’s Board of Regents. The CSN sophomore is a first-generation, full-time college student on track to graduate with an Associate of Business degree. He plans to continue his education at a four-year institution after graduation while he continues to hone his business skills. Bell credits his success thus far to a strong support system led by his parents, mentors and teachers.
Sharica Lee Sharica Lee graduates from CSN with an associate degree in Psychology and is scheduled to attend UNLV this fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Addictions Treatment. Sharica will remain an engaged student at UNLV by applying to the Neuropsychology Research Assistant Volunteer position, hoping for the opportunity to further develop her research and leadership skills. Joining the Psi Chi International Honor Society and UNLV’s Psychology Club Chapter are also among her immediate goals. Lee is a caregiver, mother and proud spouse to disabled U.S. Army veteran.
Amanda Anderson Amanda (Mandy) Anderson earns an associate degree and plans to continue her education at CSN by enrolling in the Environmental Management Bachelor of Applied Science program. She is a Las Vegas native and plans to pursue a career as an environmental sustainability director for large international company. Anderson completed all of her coursework online during the pandemic. “Unfortunately, the pandemic lasted longer than we all expected initially, and I was required to take all my classes online, including science labs,” she said. “This was the first time I had learned remotely, which made me re-evaluate the study habits that worked best. It was a challenge trying to learn from home when there are multiple distractions.”
Nathacha Nucamendi Nathacha Nucamendi is a Las Vegas Native graduating with an associate of arts degree and transferring to UNLV to pursue a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management. She worked two full-time jobs, managed remote learning and navigated public transportation during the pandemic to earn her degree. Nucamendi attributes much of her success to her strong support system and looks to the future with optimism. “We did it. It wasn’t easy to navigate the last couple of years and stay focused on our goals, but the class of 2021 did it!” she said. “Oh the places we will go.