With two college-age daughters, Nevada Assemblywoman Irene Bustamante Adams obviously has a genuine interest in the state’s post-secondary education of students.
On a recent weeklong visit to Northern Nevada businesses such as General Electric, Silver State Stainless and Medallic Art Company, among others, Bustamante Adams made time to visit Western Nevada College with her daughters in tow.
The representative of Nevada’s 42nd Assembly explored WNC’s Veterans Resource Center, the CISCO and advanced manufacturing labs, and the Construction department during her visit on Tuesday afternoon.
Bustamante Adams and her daughters, Alaina and Olivia Brown, toured the campus with President Chet Burton and Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs Scott Morrison. They learned about WNC’s Veterans Resource Center and Career and Technical Education programs from directors Kevin Burns and Georgia White.
“This was a learning opportunity,” Bustamante Adams said. “I’ve heard a lot of great things about WNC from employers in the region so I came up here to see some of the programs they have.”
Education has been a high priority in Bustamante Adams’ life as she earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Fresno State University and became the first Latina in Nevada history to receive an Executive Master of Business Administration degree from UNLV.
During her visit, Bustamante Adams learned that WNC is a very cost-effective starting point for students venturing into higher education.
“I was impressed with what Chet said about value for money expended here,” she said. “This is the best at the community college level. I love the campus and the fact that they work directly with employers. It’s a great career pathway for students.”
Northern Nevada Development Authority Director Robert Hooper and NNDA Director of Economic Development Lynn O’Mara also accompanied Bustamante Adams on the campus tour.
