Summer/Fall 2020

ON THE COVER

This summer, University alumnus Rafael Blanco ’13 MFA put his talents to work creating a mural spanning the eastern exterior of the seven-story Sierra Hall. Blanco painted this important piece of artwork in just three weeks to promote diversity, equity and inclusion. The concept for the mural was conceived by students who argued the campus lacked representations of diverse identities. Blanco’s work depicts six sets of human eyes, each showing different races, ages, ethnicities and sexual orientations.

IN THIS ISSUE

We celebrate the opening of the new 100,000-square-foot William N. Pennington Engineering building. The state-of-the-art addition to the College of Engineering houses a Class 100 cleanroom, a large computer lab, a 200-student classroom and 150 graduate work stations. Also in this issue, read about Mick Hitchcock ’17 Ph.D. (Hon.) and his philanthropic support of research across campus. We recognize the deserving recipients of the 2020 Nevada Alumni Association awards, including Alumnus of the Year, Justice James W. Hardesty ’70 (accounting).

The new William N. Pennington Engineering building

by Curtis Vickers ’01 M.A.

When the coronavirus sent University students, faculty and staff home in March, many members of the Wolf
Pack family turned their attention
to ways to help in the fight against
COVID-19. Support groups and community service activities sprang up throughout northern 

Nevada, demonstrating a sense of solidarity and proving the strength of the Wolf really is the Pack.
       Faculty and staff in the College of Engineering joined the effort. Using 3D printers, they produced personal protective equipment like face masks and shields for distribution to medical personnel in local hospitals and medical 

facilities; they began work on more efficient tests for the virus; they adapted drones to disinfect hospital rooms and public spaces; and they began research on novel AI-based smart sensors to detect COVID-19 symptoms via telehealth appointments.

William N. Pennington Engineering Building

WHAT I’VE LEARNED

Justice James W. Hardesty ’70

The 2020 Nevada Alumni Association Alumnus of the Year, Nevada Supreme Court justice, former ASUN president, avid Wolf Pack fan.

More about Justice James Hardesty

RESEARCH

Mick Hitchcock

Mick Hitchcock is advancing scientific progress, capacity and understanding — “essentially building capabilities on a wider ranging scale.”

Mick Hitchcock on science and research

UNIVERSITY FOR YOU

Moving forward and making an impact

University continues to grow and members of the Wolf Pack helping out in trying times.

University and the Wolf Pack updates

GOOD MEDICINE

It’s past time to talk about health care disparities

Long-standing structural racism has caused inequities in health care.

UNR Med combats health care disparities

PACK TRACKS

“Gridiron greatness"

Nevada's most accomplished football teams: the 1990 squad and the 2010 Wolf Pack “Dream Team.”

The greatest Wolf Pack Football teams

FOSTERING NEVADA'S FUTURE

Jane K. and Thomas L. Schwenk, M.D. Faculty Leadership Development Award established

Jane and Thomas Schwenk's Award

SPRING 2020

WINTER 2020

FALL 2019

SUMMER 2019