Western Nevada College News and Notes: Willy the Wildcat has a new look

Nevada Day Parade attendees last month may have noticed a new Willy the Wildcat mascot.

Willy the Wildcat wasn’t stolen. However, the source of spirit for Western Nevada College has found the Fountain of Youth.

Western Nevada College’s mascot has undergone a makeover this fall. The old costume was well worn, and it was time for something new.

“I love it; and students think it’s great,” said Heather Rikalo, coordinator of student life. “It will be nice to have a new mascot out on campus when we do these events. Having him celebrating the spirit of WNC is great.”

Anonymity is appealing to many of those who wear the mascot costume. Students and staff have worn the mascot costume and embrace the opportunity of stepping outside of their personality when wearing it.

“Ultimately, that’s the thing about the Wildcat ... whoever is in there can let loose and not be afraid to dance around and have fun,” Rikalo said.

Rikalo envisions making Willy more visible on campus. Willy participated in the Nevada Promise Work Day on Nov. 7 and has plans to join in on the La Posada Celebration on Dec. 14.

“We are always looking for people who are interested in being the Wildcat throughout the year,” Rikalo said. “Once I can have a couple on standby to do that, the more we can be out and about on campus.”

Take Care of Winter, Spring Registration Now

Enrollment for winter session and spring semester continues.

Winter session gives students a chance to catch up or get ahead in their education pathway. Classes begin on Dec. 16 or Dec. 30 and continue through Jan. 17.

Spring semester starts Jan. 21.

View classes for both winter and spring at wnc.edu/class-schedule/. If you are new to WNC, apply for admission and take care of other pre-registration requirements at wnc.edu/starthere/.

Revel in Christmas Spirit at La Posada Celebration

There will be activities for the entire family at the third annual La Posada Celebration on Saturday, Dec. 14 from noon to 3 p.m. at Carson Nugget Hall in the Aspen Building on WNC’s Carson City campus.

“It’s a family event with a touch of the Latin American culture, where the community can gather to get into the Christmas spirit,” said WNC Latino Outreach Coordinator Lupe Ramirez.

WNC’s Latino Cohort, the Associated Students of Western Nevada and the PUENTE Parent Committee will host the celebration, which will include traditional activities for the entire family.

There will be piñatas for children and adults, face painting, arts and crafts, folkloric dancing, Christmas music in Spanish and traditional food served during these festivities such as tamales, posole and hot tea made of fresh fruits (also known as ponche).

For more information, contact the Latino Outreach Office at 775-445-3215.

ASWN Collecting Toys for Tots

Christmas is nearly a month away and many local families need help providing presents to their children.

To help fill this need, the Associated Students of Western Nevada at Western Nevada College is leading a Toys for Tots collection drive through Dec. 20.

Five collection bins are located around the Carson City campus, including the Dini Student Center, Bristlecone Building (by the Information Desk) and one in the Wildcat Den Café.

New toys in their original packaging are needed for all age groups. Toys will be distributed to children in the Carson City area.

If a family needs toys for Christmas, they can call the Toys for Tots hotline at 775-799-0918 (English) and 775-799-0877 (Spanish) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information, phone Student Life Coordinator Heather Rikalo at 775-445-4238.

Vets Holding Spaghetti Feed, Silent Auction on Dec. 13

Western Nevada Wildcat Vets are partnering with Wildcat Den Café for a Spaghetti Feed Fundraiser and Silent Auction on Dec. 13 in Carson Nugget Hall.

The cost is $10 per plate and the feed and auction will happen from 3 to 8 p.m.

The majority of donations collected will go toward providing a financial hardship gift for veterans attending WNC. The remaining donation funds will be used to support the club’s future events.

For more information, contact the Veterans Resource Center at 775-445-4275.

WNC Closed for Thanksgiving Weekend

WNC’s three campuses will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend starting Thursday. Students will start the holiday weekend a day earlier.

During this time, enrollment for winter and spring continues online at wnc.edu.

The campus will resume regular hours and classes on Monday, Dec. 2.