By Western Nebraska Community College
SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. - Western Nebraska Community College will host its 94th Annual Commencement ceremonies May 9, at 10 a.m. in Cougar Palace.
More than 268 students are expected to receive a certificate, diploma, or degree from WNCC, celebrating graduates from across Western Nebraska and beyond.
Oscar Gonzalez, a 2019 WNCC graduate, will serve as the commencement speaker. Gonzales moved to the Scottsbluff area as a teenager, working as a migrant laborer while attending Scottsbluff High School. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he served on active duty as a parachutist. During his military career, Gonzales served as a military police supervisor and was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division’s Global Response Team.
He is the owner and operator of Reverence Funeral Parlor, which he runs with his wife, Stefanie.
Mireya Casillas of Scottsbluff has been selected as the student speaker. Casillas, will receive her Associate of Science degree. After graduation, she plans to pursue a Doctor in Nursing Practice with a focus in dermatology and aesthetics. She aims to open an aesthetic nursing practice in Scottsbluff.
WNCC will hold two additional ceremonies, starting with the Nurse Pinning on Friday, May 8 at 5:30 p.m. in Cougar Palace. The Adult Education graduation is set for 2 p.m., May 9, in the Judy Chaloupka Theater.
The Nurse Pinning and Commencement ceremonies will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. The streams can be found at wncc.edu or KNEB.tv. For more information, visit wncc.edu/graduation.