WNC is building community as it encourages more Native American students to enroll

 

POSTED ON Nov 24, 2021

 

Digital media, mixed media, and beadwork by Indigenous students, staff, and alumni of Western Nevada College are just a small part of a new campus exhibit. According to WNC, “The Many Faces of Native America” displays self-expression by Indigenous Peoples and will be shown through Dec. 31.

The Many Faces of Native American exhibit debuts today in the Bristlecone Atrium Gallery. The fall exhibit displays self-expression by Indigenous Peoples and will be shown through Dec. 31. #iamwnc pic.twitter.com/DhOeVgPbNN

— WesternNevadaCollege (@WNCnevada) October 11, 2021

“Each person is born with design, colors, and spirituality, which guides the individual throughout their lifetime,” said exhibit coordinators Lorraine Plympton, a WNC alumna, and Sylvia Verdugo, WNC division assistant for professional and applied technology.

In a separate interview to mark rising Native American student enrollment, Plympton said that “it is a good time to be Indigenous and attend college,” noting the opportunity for Native students to get financial assistance with the passage of the Native Fee Waiver for Nevada tribes and the Native First Scholarship.

Plympton, who graduated from WNC in 1997, is credited with starting the Native First scholarship with donations from her paycheck each month. The program has attracted more community donations since its inception, WNC said. An open-door policy is also helping to drive Native American enrollment at WNC.

“If a student can come through the door and find friendly welcoming staff to assist them that too is a contributing factor in their retention,” Plympton said. “If the student finds answers quickly and easily, they spread the word and come back.”

Over the summer, WNC established an Indigenous Student Association (ISA) advised by Verdugo.

“The Indigenous student association and other Native initiatives are focused around creating a sense of community on campus,” Verdugo said. “It is important to mention that we welcome all nations and all mixed students. If they identify as being Indigenous, we welcome them into our events and we honor their unique contributions to our campuses,” she said.