Reid urges CCSN graduates to read

Nichole Davis

Monday, June 2, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., urged graduates of the Community College of Southern Nevada to continue their education in their chosen fields by reading and writing.

"The essence of what you think you have learned over the last few years, don't let it go to waste," he said Sunday evening at Cashman Field Center. "Never let it grow dull.

"Never stop reading. Read for information. Surf the net. Read for pleasure. Read for fun. Read anything, but read, read, read."

Writing, he told the 300 graduates who attended the ceremony, is the corollary to keeping the skills you acquire.

In all, a record-setting 814 students graduated from CCSN this spring. Of those, 135 received one-year certificates of achievement. It is the biggest graduation to date at the state's largest college campus with more than 26,000 students.

The oldest graduating student was Joost Van Der Maas, who at 76 received a certificate of achievement in hotel, restaurant and casino management.

But the majority of graduates were in their late 20s and early 30s, and many brought their parents, children and grandchildren to Sunday's celebration.

Regina Hampton, a homemaker, went to school part time for three years to earn her associate's degree in general studies. She starts social work classes in August.

The 42-year-old Hampton brought her mother, sister, daughters and 3-year-old grandson to the event.

"It's important to give him the motivation and perseverance to succeed further," she said.

"She's taking care of business," university and community college Regent David Phillips said after giving her a big hug. Graduation "is about seeing people realizing their dreams and families realizing their dreams."

School district teacher's aide John Barela said his associate's of arts degree is the first step in his dream of becoming a teacher. He hugged his wife after the ceremony between posing for photographs.

"We sacrificed a lot," his wife, Manuela, said. "He had to study and it was hard 'cause he worked a full-time job."

Barela started out at CCSN, because "it seemed easier and more welcome to older students," the 30-year-old graduate said.

But it felt odd graduating Sunday, because he knew he wasn't done.

Teachers expressed the same joyful wonder after the event.

"I really enjoy seeing this," counselor Ken Battita said. "It makes me want to finish my doctorate."

Close to 40 percent of the graduates are expected to transfer directly to UNLV, officials said. That is the highest transfer rate among the state's community colleges.

Kenny Guinn, a gubernatorial candidate and former UNLV president; Otto Merida, executive director of the Latin Chamber of Commerce; the parents of Nevada first lady Sandy Miller on behalf of their daughter; and former Regent June Whitley received honorary associate's degrees for their efforts on behalf of education.