FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Suzanne Ernst
(702) 889-8426

Las Vegas, NV -- Suzanne Ernst, deputy to the chancellor for external relations at the University and Community College System of Nevada, recently received the "Outstanding Alumnus Award for 1998" from the UNLV College of Education.

The Outstanding Alumnus Award is bestowed upon a graduate from each college at UNLV who has made outstanding and significant contributions to the college. The selection is made by peers in the school and is ratified by the alumni board of directors.

"My time spent earning a master's degree at UNLV was one of the most treasured times of my life," said Ernst. "I was the epitome of the non-traditional student. I was raising a family of five children ages one through eight and earning an advanced degree. But, thanks to the support and quality instruction I received, I turned my success at the university into success at the workplace and my community."

"Now that I am working as part of Nevada's higher education system, I hope to be able to return to others the gift that was given to me. I owe UNLV a debt of gratitude for the significant impact it has had on my life and career," she added.

Ms. Ernst has been with the UCCSN since 1996 and was previously the administrator of Nevada's Division of Aging Services. She received a bachelor of science degree from the University of Nevada, Reno, and a master of education degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Comprised of two doctoral-granting universities, four comprehensive community colleges and one environmental research institution, the University and Community College System of Nevada serves the educational and job training needs of the nation's fastest growing state. As Nevada's only system of higher education, the UCCSN provides educational opportunities to more than 82,000 students.