Alba Morales, a 2024 graduate of Western Nevada College’s Nursing program, was honored with the Pay It Forward Project Award during the eighth annual Reach for the Stars Gala held at the Joe Dini Library on WNC’s Carson City campus. The recognition comes as a result of her efforts to support future nursing students after overcoming personal challenges.
Morales faced significant obstacles while pursuing her education. She raised two young children, later three, and was unemployed at the time she decided to change her family’s circumstances. Morales received support from the WNC Foundation and participated in the Realizing the Opportunity for the American Dream to Succeed (ROADS) program. This assistance enabled her to begin with Certified Nursing Assistant courses before advancing into WNC’s nursing program.
After graduating, Morales began her career at Carson Tahoe Hospital, moved on to work as an emergency room nurse at Renown Health, and then took a position at the South Lake Tahoe Juvenile Treatment Center.
Motivated by gratitude for the support she received, Morales established the Next Generation Nursing Scholarship through the WNC Foundation. This scholarship aims to help aspiring nurses attend Western Nevada College and pursue similar opportunities.
“Alba Morales represents the heart of WNC — perseverance, compassion and commitment to community,” said WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe. “Her journey from student to nurse to philanthropist is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact our students can have when we invest in their potential. She is helping to create a legacy that will benefit generations to come.”
At this year’s Reach for the Stars Gala, Morales was presented with the Pay It Forward Project Award in acknowledgment of both her achievements and ongoing contributions. The event highlighted how individual success stories can influence broader change within educational communities.
“After receiving Foundation scholarships myself throughout the nursing program, I realized that their help was one of the driving factors of my success because I didn't have to have the weight of financial burden on my shoulders on top of everything else, so I told the WNC Foundation that I was going to start up my own scholarship with some friends once I graduated to also help students like myself who could benefit highly from it,” Morales said.
The Pay It Forward Project sponsored this award at the gala. Founded by Carson City resident John McDougall, this initiative encourages local residents and youth to volunteer and contribute positively within their communities. At this year’s event, McDougall issued a $5,000 challenge that donors matched, raising funds dedicated toward scholarships, emergency funding and other needs essential for supporting Western Nevada College’s mission.