Student Speakers

The commencement student speaker is selected annually from a group of candidates who hold a minimum 3.0 GPA and have completed their degree requirements in the previous summer or fall semester or in the current spring semester.

Nicola Opfer

Class of 2020 Speaker

Nicola Opfer is graduating with a dual major in communication with concentrations in both public relations and psychology. An aspiring law student, she also served two terms as the Nevada State Student Alliance President (2018-2020) and NSHE’s Nevada Student Alliance Chair (2019-2020). Under her leadership, she created scholarships, brought free menstrual products to campus, began the framework to add a student lounge and a basketball court, and always advocated for Nevada State students.

Arely Perez Salcedo

Class of 2021 Speaker

Arely Perez Salcedo is a first-generation student, graduating with her Bachelor of Science in nursing. Salcedo and her family are from Jalisco, Mexico, and moved here when she was two years old in search of opportunity and a better life. She plans to use her degree to serve individuals from under-resourced/ vulnerable communities and pursue a Master of Science in nursing degree.