The University awarded its most prestigious student academic honor, the Herz Gold Medal, to Nicole Alexandra Shepherd during the College of Business’ Spring Commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 12.

Shepherd was a dual degree student, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a major in Accounting, a Bachelor of Music degree with a focus in Clarinet Performance, with a minor in Mathematics.

The Herz Gold medal is bestowed upon the graduating senior who has the highest University grade-point average with the most letter-graded credits (beyond 120) that have been earned at the University.

Shepherd said that throughout her time at the University, she has been inspired by professors in both the Department of Accounting and Department of Music, most notably among these mentors were Dr. Jannet Vreeland, Dr. Mark Jackson, Dr. Nicholas Hunt, Dr. Jeffrey Wong, Dr. Eric Fassbender and Dr. Joshua Anderson.

She also noted that she couldn’t have achieved what she did without the support  of her greatest supporters – her mother Loretta, her aunt Diana and her grandmother Dorothy.

Driven by purpose and the pursuit of perfection, Shepherd was throughout her time at the University a high achiever academically and artistically. She has volunteered with the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, interned with KPMG in Audit, and will be starting with KPMG as an Audit Associate at the Sacramento office after graduation.

Additionally, she has been extensively involved with music at the university-level and beyond. Highlights of her musical accomplishments include performing with both the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra and Reno Chamber Orchestra, being selected as one of the soloists for the Annual Honors Concert in 2020, and collaborating with the graduate Nightingale String Trio. Through all these diverse experiences, Shepherd said she has thoroughly enjoyed her time at the University of Nevada, Reno, and knows that her education has prepared her for all of the opportunities that lie ahead.