Happy 158th Birthday Nevada! As we celebrate our beloved state over the Nevada Day Weekend, let us remember to gather and take time to rest and reflect in the company of friends, family, classmates, and co-workers as the “Nevada Family.”

We both believe in the promise of the State of Nevada, particularly in the instrumental role our institutions of higher education play in realizing a more prosperous future for all. When the members of Nevada’s constitutional convention met in Carson City in July 1864, one of the attendees said, “To create a state university, to build up its various departments and fill it with professors, is a work of time.” And what a time it has been. From the most humble of beginnings, today our two universities are a source of immense pride. Both the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and the University of Nevada, Reno are classified as Carnegie R1 “Very High” research institutions, which places us among the top research universities in the country.

In addition to being on the cutting edge of knowledge, discovery and engagement, our universities are places where our students arrive on our campuses seeking a realization of their educational dreams. Our dedicated and talented faculty and staff help our students lead us into the future. We do this together, as two public institutions with complementary strengths and one mission to reach into every corner of our state to create a better future for all Nevadans. With each class of graduates we produce, in all fields and in all endeavors, we are providing Nevada and our nation with the next great generation of leaders.

We are so proud that the people of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and of the University of Nevada, Reno take to heart each university’s respective institutional mission, and through their actions and achievements, bring our institutional purposes to life. Our missions are intertwined; to advance learning and opportunity for the communities, state and nation we serve.

We are stronger together. We are better together. We look forward to many more years of collaboration and partnership between our two universities. And, we look forward to many more Nevada Day Weekends, where whether every Friday you wear Rebel Red or Wolf Pack Blue, we are all united through the promise of our work, and the transformational impact that we have on our state.

Happy Nevada Day Weekend!

Let’s Go Rebels! Go Pack!

Sincere regards,

Keith E. Whitfield, Ph.D.
President, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Brian Sandoval
President, University of Nevada, Reno