Nevada State College makes history, sees 1,000th graduate tonight during ceremony

Shella Lynn Gordon became the 1,000th graduate of Nevada State College during a commencement ceremony tonight at the Henderson Pavilion in Henderson.

The four-year school in Henderson opened its doors seven years ago, and held its its first commencement ceremony in May 2004 with just 13 graduates.

"In just seven years, Nevada State College has produced over 1,000 graduates," said college President Fred Maryanski. "Few newly created institutions of higher education can say the same."

The historic event took place just two months after the Board of Regents expressed support of the school despite the state higher education system's financial struggles. The public college recently laid off staff members due to lower than expected enrollment figures and the state cutting its budget by 24 percent, but this year the population of the campus increased by 20 percent to more than 2,600 students.