Dear CSN Family,
I’d like to begin today’s message by expressing my deep appreciation and gratitude for all of the healthcare workers who put their lives on the line every day for the safety and well-being of others. On this, the final day of National Nurses Week, let us make a special mention of the nurses in Nevada who keep us safe.
Many of you know that CSN plays an important role in the state’s healthcare industry. One out of every three nurses practicing in Nevada was trained at CSN. During this crisis, many of them are working the front lines. Some are even volunteering to do so.
CSN graduates Sandy Tran and Kristen McGuinness are among them, donating their time and talents to work in the hardest hit part of our country, New York City. What an amazing example of the kind of generosity and teamwork we at CSN are so proud of.
While we are discussing good news, I have a few more items to share:
- Certain deadlines for Nevada Promise Scholarship students have been extended by one month. NSHE recently made the decision that deadlines for completing eight hours of community service, meeting with a mentor and getting necessary documents to financial aid offices is now July 1, rather than June 1. I am sure this is welcome news for our Promise students.
- The IRS has declared that financial grants to students from the CARES Act are not considered taxable income. You will recall that CSN began distributing more than $7 million in CARES Act funds to our students last week.
- The results of the ASCSN student government elections are in, and I want to congratulate all the students who ran for office, particularly during this challenging time. I look forward to working with the new representatives, and want to give a special congratulations to new student body president Karli McFarling-Kelly, who happens to be the twin sister of our recently chosen 2020 Student Commencement Speaker, Krista McFarling-Kelly.
I’ll end by noting that NSHE Chancellor Thom Reilly, Board of Regents Chair Jason Geddes and Regents Vice Chair Mark Doubrava will hold a virtual town hall at 2 p.m. this Friday, May 15 focused on facing the challenges presented by COVID-19. Students, employees and community stakeholders are encouraged to submit questions prior to the event.
As we face these challenges together, we remain Vegas strong and CSN proud.
Stay safe and God bless.
Federico Zaragoza
President
College of Southern Nevada