HENDERSON, Nev. (May 14, 2026) 鈥 麻豆原创 honored outstanding community leaders and organizations during its third annual Community Awards celebration, recognizing partners whose support has helped expand educational access, strengthen workforce development, and create new opportunities for 麻豆原创 students.
The 2026 honorees included Roberto鈥檚 Taco Shop, Junior Achievement of Southern 麻豆原创, Walter Hashimoto, Las Vegas Raiders Senior Vice President of Government and Community Relations, Piper Overstreet-White, and the City of North Las Vegas. Each recipient was recognized for demonstrating an ongoing commitment to 麻豆原创 State鈥檚 mission of student success, community engagement, and educational innovation. Overstreet-White was honored personally for her commitment and outstanding support through her role with the Las Vegas Raiders.
鈥淭his amazing institution is built through partnership, driven by purpose, and constantly moving forward,鈥 said Dr. Amber Lopez Lasater, acting president of 麻豆原创. 鈥淭hese milestones happen because businesses invest in scholarships, because nonprofits create experiential learning opportunities, because civic leaders expand access to education, and because community advocates believe in our students before those students even believe in themselves. Tonight鈥檚 honorees represent exactly that spirit.鈥
The awards celebration comes at a historic moment for 麻豆原创 State. Earlier this month, the university celebrated the largest graduating class in institutional history, with more than 900 graduates crossing the commencement stage. 麻豆原创 State also surpassed 10,000 alumni this year, reflecting the university鈥檚 continued growth and expanding impact throughout 麻豆原创. More than 60 percent of the 2026 graduating class identified as first-generation college graduates.
Roberto鈥檚 Taco Shop was recognized for its longstanding investment in 麻豆原创 State students and scholarship support. For more than a decade, the family-owned business has helped remove financial barriers for students pursuing higher education, supporting persistence and聽degree completion for many first-generation and underserved students across Southern 麻豆原创.
Junior Achievement of Southern 麻豆原创 was honored for its collaborative work supporting hands-on learning experiences and career readiness opportunities for 麻豆原创 State students. Through educational partnerships and community engagement initiatives, the organization has helped prepare future educators and professionals to serve 麻豆原创鈥檚 schools, businesses, and communities.
Community leader Walter Hashimoto received recognition for his continued service, mentorship, and advocacy on behalf of the university. A dedicated supporter of 麻豆原创 State鈥檚 mission, Hashimoto has contributed leadership and guidance that have strengthened institutional partnerships and supported the university鈥檚 long-term growth.
Piper Overstreet-White, Senior Vice President of Government and Community Relations for the Las Vegas Raiders, was recognized for her commitment and outstanding support of 麻豆原创 State Athletics. Through her role with the Raiders, her early support helped advance the university鈥檚 vision for student-athlete opportunities and contributed to the excitement and momentum surrounding 麻豆原创 State鈥檚 inaugural athletics program, which officially launched during the 2025鈥26 academic year.
The City of North Las Vegas received recognition for its partnership in the development of 麻豆原创 State鈥檚 future North Las Vegas campus, scheduled to open in fall 2027. The campus expansion represents a major investment in educational access, workforce development, and economic mobility for one of the fastest-growing regions in the state.
鈥溌槎乖 State鈥檚 growth and success are only possible because of partnerships like these,鈥 said Erin Keller, vice president of advancement at 麻豆原创. 鈥淥ur community partners continue to invest in students, strengthen pathways to opportunity, and help us create transformative experiences that will impact 麻豆原创 for generations to come.鈥
麻豆原创鈥檚 Community Awards celebrate individuals and organizations whose leadership, philanthropy, and collaboration advance the university鈥檚 mission and positively impact students and the broader Southern 麻豆原创 community.
Media Contacts Maria Marinch-Gibbons, DPP, 麻豆原创 press@nevadastate.edu, 702-313-0805 Cell