Class Notes

From promotions and publications to personal and professional milestones

May 13, 2026
A collage of professional headshots of people in the class notes article.

A collage of photos of individuals in the 2026 Spring issue of Nevada & Blue Class Notes.

Class Notes

From promotions and publications to personal and professional milestones

May 13, 2026

A collage of photos of individuals in the 2026 Spring issue of Nevada & Blue Class Notes.

A collage of professional headshots of people in the class notes article.

A collage of photos of individuals in the 2026 Spring issue of Nevada & Blue Class Notes.

Class Notes reflect the many paths Nevada alumni take after graduation. Spanning decades, disciplines and destinations, each note is a reminder that while no two journeys look the same, they often begin in the same place.

Please share your Class Note — in 50 words or fewer — by emailing classnotes@unr.edu.

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1960s

 

Susan Moss ’66 (art)

Portrait of a person with short brown hair and a contemplative expression. Soft, impressionistic brushstrokes create a warm, intimate atmosphere.

The work of Susan Moss ’66 (art), artist and author, was featured in the 2026 film “The Invite,” starring Penelope Cruz and Edward Norton. Additional work by Moss will appear in the upcoming film “Behemoth!,” starring Pedro Pascal and Olivia Wilde.

 

1970s

Karen Wilkes '70 (English)

Karen Wilkes ’70 (English) published the nonfiction book “Luck o’ The Draw: Irish Gunfighters in the West,” which traces the lives of three Irish gunfighters whose paths crossed in Pioche, Nev. — Wilkes’ hometown — in 1870.

James R. Hall ’74 Ph.D. (experimental psychology)

James R. Hall ’74 Ph.D. (experimental psychology) was ap- pointed chief science officer and director of research for the Institute for Translational Research at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth, Tex., home of one of the nation's largest research projects on brain aging and dementia across diverse populations.

 

1980s

Donald M. Fukui ’81 (journalism)

Headshot of Donald Fukui

Donald M. Fukui ’81 (journalism) recently announced his retirement after a 40-year newspaper career as a reporter, page designer and editor in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties.

Jeannie (Devogelear) Lowe ’85 (psychology)

Headshot of Jeannie Lowe

Jeannie (Devogelear) Lowe ’85 (psychology) received the Crystal Gavel from the San Diego Family Law Bar Association during the Norby Awards on Nov. 20, 2025. Lowe serves as a mediator and arbitrator.

Brad McClellan ’87 (journalism)

Brad McClellan ’87 (journalism) released his seventh album, “52 Ziggurat Avenue,” in 2025. McClellan performs as a solo artist under the band name A Year From Monday, with music available at ayfm.space.

Ken Collins ’89 (music education)

Ken Collins ’89 (music education), a retired U.S. Navy Band director, returned to the University in October 2025 to conduct the Nevada Wind Ensemble and lead the national anthem with the Wolf Pack Marching Band during homecoming weekend. He served more than 30 years in the Navy, rising to become commanding officer of the United States Navy Band.

Randy Brown ’89 (accounting)

Randy Brown ’89 (accounting) was reappointed by Gov. Joe Lombardo to a second term as commissioner of the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada in 2025.

 

Class of '90 to '99

Laura Pavlov ’90 (general studies)

Laura Pavlov ’90 (general studies) saw her novel “In a Heartbeat” enter the USA Today bestseller list in 2025. A top-selling romance author, she has published more than 40 books and is preparing her next project following the completion of her Rosewood River series.

Teri (Reynolds) Stevens ’90 (journalism)

Headshot of Teri Stevens

Teri (Reynolds) Stevens ’90 (journalism) published her debut novel, “Makenzie’s Ring,” in May 2025. The mystery, written for middle-grade readers, is set in Lake Tahoe and tells a story of summer friendship, hidden histories and the magic that happens when past and present collide.

Viki (Maselli) Windfeldt ’92 (social psychology)

Headshot of Viki Windfeldt

Viki (Maselli) Windfeldt ’92 (social psychology), executive director of the Nevada State Board of Accountancy, was honored by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy with the 2025 Lorraine P. Sachs Standard of Excellence Award during the organization's 118th annual meeting on Oct. 28, 2025, in Chicago.

Robert Moore ’97 (general studies) and Elizabeth Moore ’11 (general studies)

Robert Moore wears glasses and a hat and poses next to Elizabeth Moore (wearing glasses).

Self-published authors Robert Moore ’97 (general studies) and Elizabeth Moore ’11 (general studies) incorporated Two Moore Books LLC in 2025. They also co-host two podcasts, “CC and JT Amateur Hour” and “The Nevada Author Network,” in collaboration with the Sierra Arts Foundation.

Matt Canepa ‘97 (physical education)

Matt Canepa (left) and Diaz Dixon ‘94 (right) pose with an unidentified individual while making the Wolf Pack hand sign.

Matt Canepa ‘97 (physical education) recently expanded Villa Santa Cruz, the boutique hotel he founded near Todos Santos, Mexico, to include a spa. He celebrated the milestone with friends, including Diaz Dixon ’94 (social psychology), pictured at right. Canepa purchased the 45-acre beachfront property in 2001 and later transformed it into a resort, which he and his wife, Jessica, operate together.

 

Class of '00 to '09

Christy (Volpi) George ’02 (general studies)

Christy (Volpi) George ’02 (general studies), a fifth-generation Nevadan, has rejoined Dickson Realty, the brokerage where she began her real estate career in 2005. George has more than 30 years of experience across escrow, title and residential real estate.

Jennifer Stafford ’03 (biochemistry) ’07 M.D.

Jennifer Stafford ’03 (biochemistry) ’07 M.D. was promoted to professor in the Department of Radiology at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine in Albuquerque, N.M.

Amanda Brookhyser ’04 (English writing)

Headshot of Amanda Brookhyser

Amanda Brookhyser ’04 (English writing) joined Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck as a shareholder in the firm’s Las Vegas office, where she focuses on employment litigation, counseling and compliance.

Andrew Bourelle ’05 M.A. (English), ’09 Ph.D. (English)

Headshot of Andrew Bourelle

Andrew Bourelle ’05 M.A. (English), ’09 Ph.D. (English) published "The Texas Murders: A Texas Ranger Thriller," co-authored with best-selling author James Patterson, in January 2025. The following month, he published his thriller “Shot Clock” — set to be a film from Skydance Media. Bourelle is a professor of English and director of creative writing at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, N.M.

Christine (LoRusso) Parman ’06 (accounting)

Christine (LoRusso) Parman ’06 (accounting) was named to New York Life’s 2025 Chairman’s Council, ranking among the top 4% of nearly 12,000 agents nationwide. A Reno-based agent since 2005, Parman is the first woman in Nevada to achieve this honor in the company’s 180-year history. She founded Frontline Wealth Group, where she serves as a financial adviser.

Juliana De Almeida ’09 Ph.D. (ecology, evolution and conservation biology)

Juliana De Almeida ’09 Ph.D. (ecology, evolution and conservation biology) is managing director of Flyways at Manomet Conservation Sciences and a leading shorebird conservationist with more than 20 years of experience protecting avian populations. She contributes to international environmental education and conservation programs focused on migratory ecosystems.

 

Class of '10 to '19

Sara Robbins ’10 (journalism)

Sara Robbins wears a blue dress and poses for a picture while smiling.

Sara Robbins ’10 (journalism) started a new role as internal communications manager at Panasonic North America.

Brittany (Haggerty) Silva ’11 (management, marketing), ’19 MBA

Black and white headshot of Britany Silva

Brittany (Haggerty) Silva ’11 (management, marketing), ’19 MBA was named a partner at KPS3 in Reno in September 2025. She serves as executive vice president, leading brand and digital initiatives for clients across industries.

McKenna Peri ’11 (community health science), ’12 (nursing)

A joyful couple, dressed in wedding attire, stands outdoors. The bride holds a bouquet and wears sunglasses, while both share a big smile, surrounded by greenery.

Stallar Lufrano-Jardine ‘12 MBA, ’20 PH.D. (education) wrote and published “Sy’s Journey: A Seed’s Search for a Place to Grow,” released in January. The heartwarming, illustrated children’s book explores resilience, hope and the search for belonging.

Stallar Lufrano-Jardine ‘12 MBA, ’20 PH.D. (education)

The work of Susan Moss ’66 (art), artist and author, was featured in the 2026 film “The Invite,” starring Penelope Cruz and Edward Norton. Additional work by Moss will appear in the upcoming film “Behemoth!,” starring Pedro Pascal and Olivia Wilde.

Haviva Kobany ’14 (biochemistry and molecular biology), ’21M.D.

A bride and groom sit closely on a vintage green couch in a garden, gazing at each other lovingly. The bride holds a bouquet, and both are smiling.

Haviva Kobany ’14 (biochemistry and molecular biology), ’21M.D. celebrated her marriage to fellow Wolf Pack alum Michael Rudokas ’21 Ph.D. (cellular molecular pharmacology) on Sept. 28, 2024.

Jason Aycock ’15 (international business, marketing)

Jason Aycock ’15 (international business, marketing) was promoted to vice president at Goldman Sachs, where he leads the IRA team at Goldman Sachs Private Wealth Management.

Anthony Braido ’17 (electrical engineering)

Anthony Braido ’17 (electrical engineering), an engineer at Los Alamos Neutron Science Center in Los Alamos, N.M., received the 2025 Early Career Award at the International Conference on Accelerator and Large Experimental Physics Control Systems, held in September 2025in Chicago. The biennial award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to control and data acquisition systems early in their careers.

Daniel Leonardini ’17 (eco-nomics, international affairs) and Rachel Hoadley ’17 (biology)

A joyful bride in a white gown and groom in a blue suit lift their arms under a floral arch, celebrating on a beach with palm trees and ocean in the background.

Daniel Leonardini ’17 (eco-nomics, international affairs) and Rachel Hoadley ’17 (biology) married at a resort in the Dominican Republic on Sept. 16, 2025.They live in Maryland, where Daniel is a legislative liaison for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and Rachel is a physician assistant at the University of Maryland Medical Center.

 

Class of '20 to '25

Kacey Fowler ’23 (management, marketing), ’24 MBA

Black and white headshot of Kacey Fowler

Kacey Fowler ’23 (management, marketing), ’24 MBA was promoted to associate account manager at KPS3 in Reno in August 2025. In her role, Fowler supports client relationships and helps advance initiatives that contribute to business goals.

 

Wolf Pups

Chris Swinger ’11 (anthropology) and Sarah Csiga ’09 (political science), ’12 (elementary education)

A smiling baby in a green onesie lies on a pillow, with books and a toy in the background, conveying a joyful and playful mood.

Chris Swinger ’11 (anthropology) and Sarah Csiga ’09 (political science), ’12 (elementary education) welcomed their first Wolf Pup, Adara, on Aug. 15, 2025.

Luke Rippee ’08 (management), ’19 MBA and Brooke (York) Rippee ’10 (speech communications)

A baby wearing a navy onesie sits on a couch beside a plush husky toy. Behind them, a blue pillow adds a cozy background. The scene is cute and calm.

Luke Rippee ’08 (management), ’19 MBA and Brooke (York) Rippee ’10 (speech communications) welcomed their fourth child, Isaac Arthur, on Feb. 7, 2025. Isaac joins big sister Ivy and big brothers Levi and Ford.

Shane Anderson ‘11 (community health sciences) and Angela Grieco ’14 (management)

A smiling baby in a pink outfit with a football design lies next to a wolf mascot toy wearing a cheerleader uniform. The baby wears a pink bow.

Shane Anderson ‘11 (community health sciences) and Angela Grieco ’14 (management), welcomed their third daughter, Sienna Anderson, on July 20, 2025.

Patrick Harris ‘14 (marketing) and Melissa (McCabe) Harris ’17 (mechanical engineering)

A smiling baby in a black t-shirt sits on a patterned, beige and brown sofa. The baby looks happy and relaxed with an engaging demeanor.

Patrick Harris ‘14 (marketing) and Melissa (McCabe) Harris ’17 (mechanical engineering) welcomed their son, Theodore, on Nov. 12, 2024.

Evan Carini ’18 (finance) and Madison (Bosque) Carini ’17 (community health science)

A newborn baby lies peacefully on a patterned blanket labeled "Nora Jean." The baby wears a light onesie and a white bow headband, exuding warmth and joy.

Evan Carini ’18 (finance) and Madison (Bosque) Carini ’17 (community health science) welcomed their second Wolf Pup, NoraJean, on June 22, 2024.

May 13, 2026