President’s Medals

The President’s Medals are honors conferred to individuals who have proven extraordinary commitment to the mission of Nevada State College.

Elaine Hodgson

In addition to co-founding Incredible Technologies (IT) in 1985, Elaine Hodgson has served as president and chief executive officer. A veteran of the entertainment and technical development world, she has led IT from a $150,000 basement startup to becoming a dominant player in both the amusement and gaming industries. She actively oversees all aspects of the company, including game development, strategic business planning, intellectual properties, and the innovative marketing and sales of IT’s products. Her leadership and development of global brands such as Golden Tee® Golf and Crazy Money® have earned her a variety of awards and honors, leading to her 2019 induction into the American Gaming Association’s Hall of Fame. Hodgson received her Bachelor of Science in biochemistry from Purdue University and began her career as an industrial chemist at the Kennedy Space Center, where she worked on the Space Shuttle program. She is most proud of her three children and two grandchildren.

Kevin J. Page

In addition to his 34 years of work in the institutional investment management business, Kevin J. Page has been an ardent supporter of higher education in Nevada through his long-term leadership. Intent on helping Nevada State College achieve its mission, he has provided critical support to the college through his ongoing efforts. Previously, he served on the NSHE Board of Regents (2009-2020), completing four terms as chairman and two terms as vice chairman. Page received the UNLV Outstanding Alumnus Award as well as the Distinguished Nevadan Award and also served on the UNLV Alumni Board of Directors (1989-2003). He received his bachelor’s degree in business administration as well as an MBA from UNLV. He is a past board member of the Police and Fire Emerald Society of Nevada. Page and his wife, Patty, reside in Henderson, Nevada and are the proud parents of three daughters.

Astrid Silva ’17

After immigrating from Mexico, the Silva family arrived in Nevada when Astrid was just five years old. She graduated from the Advanced Technologies Academy (2006) and later received three Associate degrees before beginning her Nevada State College journey. As an undocumented person, Silva was often in the shadows. However, a 2009 encounter with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid changed her life, and she became involved with the DREAM Act, representing people in similar situations throughout Nevada. In 2012, with like-minded individuals, she was able to form DREAM Big Vegas, aimed at educating the community about issues facing DREAMers and their families. The club quickly achieved national acclaim for its work, and Silva began receiving honors as well. Now the executive director of Dream Big Nevada, an organization inspired by DREAM Big Vegas, she continues to raise her voice and empower others so that together they can achieve their goal – keeping families, like hers, together.