Business Affairs is proud to celebrate the dynamic individuals who are first-generation graduates.
Business Affairs is proud to celebrate the dynamic individuals who are first-generation graduates.
Lesi Williams
Supply Chain Manager
Facilities Management
Associate's degree, Management
Barstow Community College
Bachelor of Science, Management
Master of Science, Business Administration
University of Phoenix
"My advice is to stay focused and never give up. I wanted to be a role model for my daughters since I am always preaching education is the key. I did not give up when feeling overwhelmed. I took it one class at a time, and remained focused until I held my degree in my hand."
Michael Lawrence
Associate Vice President
Administration
Bachelor's degree, Business Administration
National University
Master's degree, Public Administration
Doctorate degree, Public Policy
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
“My parents did not have the means to help me pay for tuition, so I joined the Marine Corps and received my degree at the same time. Since my first graduation, I’ve watched many of my family members graduate and I believe my experience inspired them as they saw it was possible despite the obstacles.”
Chantel McDonald
Director
Strategic Project and Training Development
Bachelor of Science, Community Health Science
University of Nevada, Reno
"My experience as a first-generation student was incredibly challenging, but it turned out to be one of the most rewarding. Empower yourself and be bold enough to create the future you desire."
Reggie Bailey
Project Manager
Administration Technology Services
Interdisciplinary Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
Master of Science, Psychology
Southern New Hampshire University
"My advice is to seek out mentors, ask a ton of questions, and don't be afraid to say you need help."
Musa Pam
Associate Vice President
Facilities Management
Bachelor of Science, Marine Engineering
Bachelor of Science, Facilities and Plant Engineering
Massachusetts Maritime Academy
"My advice is to open yourselves up to the possibilities your education offers and please remember to pay it forward."
Shavonne Gramkow
Administrative Assistant
Delivery Services
Associate of Arts, Criminal Justice
College of Southern Nevada
"It's never too late"
Nancy Dooley
Accountant Assistant III
Cashiering and Student Accounts
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Clothing and Textiles
minor, Business
University of Akron
"My advice is to complete your degree, it will help open the door to a position... Dream big, and don't let anyone tell you that you are not good enough."
Tad McDowell
Director
Parking & Transportation Services
Bachelor of Science, Political Science & Conflict Resolution
Master of Arts, Community & Regional Planning
University of Nebraska
"I was 32-years-old when I was able to break free of a non-degree related job... It was one of the most rewarding periods of my life..."
Rebecca Paulson
Executive Director
Administration & Division Shared Services
Bachelor of Science, Computer Science
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
"Things that are worth doing are usually hard. No regrets."
Heather Ortiz
Director of Communication
Communication team
Bachelor of Arts, Dance
minor, Communications
Master of Arts, Journalism & Media Studies
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
“UNLV gave me the chance to have an incredibly diverse network of support."
Chelsea Meggerson
Senior Purchasing Analyst
Purchasing and Contracts
Bachelor of Liberal Arts
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
"My professor asked all first gens to stand up on the first day of class. He walked around, looked us square in the eyes, and said, " You are a trailblazer. You are shattering the glass ceiling. You are breaking the mold. I will never forget it."
Rasheda Abdullah Hairston
Communication Specialist
Communication team
Bachelor of Science, Public Relations
minor, English Technical Writing
Master of Arts, Corporate Communication
Austin Peay State University
"Earning my degrees made my parents extremely proud. My advice is to remember the big picture. Take everything a step at a time."
Gabriela Nunez Rios
Safety Training Specialist
Risk Management & Safety
Business Administration and Management
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
"Once a Rebel always a Rebel!"
John Tomola
Occupational Safety Program Manager
Risk Management & Safety
Associate's degree, Safety Technology
Community College of the Air Force
Bachelor of Science, General Studies
University of Maryland
Master of Arts, Organizational Management
University of Phoenix
Jeffrey Berkbigler
Supply Technician 1
Delivery Services - Property Control
Associate of Arts
Jefferson College Degree
Associate's degree, Applied Science
Full Sail University
Bachelor of Arts
Webster University
Master of Library Science
University of Missouri
Calvin Milling
Officer 2
Facilities Management
Associate's degree, Munitions Systems Technology
Community College of the Air Force
Bachelor of Science, Risk Management & Safety
Columbia Southern University
Alberto Munoz
Project Manager
Licenciatura en Architectura
Universidad de Guadalajara
Bachelor of Science
Masters, Architecture
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Cherie Garrity
Executive Director
Real Estate
Bachelor of Science, Business Administration
Master's degree, Public Administration
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Kotoe Kida
Accountant
Accounting and Treasury Services
Bachelor's degree, Hotel Administration
Bachelor's degree, Accounting
Master's degree, Accounting
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Hugo Calderon Cortes
Accountant
Office of the Controller
Bachelor of Science, Business Administration - Accounting
University of Nevada, Las Vegas