WNC to celebrate Class of 2020 with drive-through ceremonies

WNC has arranged two drive-through graduation ceremonies to replace the traditional celebration because of COVID-19 health crisis concerns that prevent large gatherings. Staging will be set up so grads can exit their vehicles when their names are called and then receive congratulations from dignitaries and WNC faculty and staff.

The ceremonies will be at 9 a.m. Thursday, June 25 on the Fallon campus and 9 a.m. Friday, June 26 on the Carson City campus.

At the Fallon ceremony, vehicles will be directed by greeters into the WNC Fallon campus parking lot. The graduate will check in and receive a placard to be displayed in the windshield of his or her vehicle, plus a placard for a second vehicle if applicable. Vehicles must arrive together and display the placards throughout the entire parade route. Car decorations are welcome.

Graduates will also receive an informational packet, including a stage card that will be needed to walk across the stage. Programs will be available for graduates and their guests. Veterans and students from the Latino Cohort will stop by an additional check-in table to receive stoles.

Staff will continue to direct vehicles through an established route to the front of Virgil Ghetto Hall, where a stage will be set up. Prior to the stage area, graduates will exit their vehicles. They will hand their stage card to a faculty member who will read the graduate name and degree as the graduate walks across the stage. The graduate’s guests will “follow” their graduate in their vehicle to cheer the graduate in celebration. The guests are welcome to take pictures from the vehicle but are asked to stay in their car.

After exiting the stage, the graduate will stop for a photograph before returning to their vehicle. Staff will direct vehicles to an area where a graduate gift will be provided by the Associated Students of Western Nevada, and then will direct vehicles to exit.

In Carson City, vehicles will be directed to a second check-in area to receive an informational packet, including a stage card that will be needed to walk across the stage. Programs will be available for graduates and their guests. Veterans and students from the Latino Cohort will stop at an additional check-in table to receive stoles. 

WNC team members will direct vehicles through an established route to the roundabout area in front of the Bristlecone Building, where a stage will be set up. Prior to the stage area, graduates will exit their vehicles. They will hand their stage card to a faculty member who will read the graduate name and degree as the graduate walks across the stage. The graduate’s guests will “follow” their graduate in their vehicle to cheer the graduate in celebration. The guests are welcome to take pictures from the vehicle but are asked to stay in their car. 

After exiting the stage, the graduate will stop for a photograph before returning to their vehicle. Staff will direct vehicles to a station/tent where a graduate gift will be provided by the Associated Students of Western Nevada. Then, vehicles will exit at the northeast side of the campus.

WNC Class of 2020 Facts

• • A record 650 grads are receiving 692 degrees and certificates
• • 65 percent of graduates are female
• • Youngest grad: 16
• • Oldest grad: 69
• • Jump Start grads: 94
• • Grads who utilized the Nevada Promise Scholarship: 12