Great Basin College Celebrates 30 Years

Great Basin College in Ely celebrated its 30th year on Saturday, Sept. 12, on the Ely campus. JT’s Steakhouse catered, with a dirty soda bar, live music from local Nick Tallerico, a raffle with 16 large prizes and one grand prize. There was something for everyone, along with an open house tour of the campus.
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The presentation began at 6 p.m. when director Shemayne Pitts recognized all the sponsors for the event as well as all the students of GBC, past, present and future: “We believe in you, and we celebrate your success. You are the future of the Great Basin College Ely Center.”

Pitts then introduced the president of GBC, Dr. Amber Donnelli, who stated, “Tonight’s much more than just celebrating a building or marking the date on a calendar. It’s about celebrating 30 years of education, opportunity, partnership and lives changed right here in Ely and throughout White Pine County.”
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Dr. Donnelli went on to say GBC’s mission is to transform lives through education, and Ely is a great example of that. They have seen several students walk in and out of the doors looking for a degree, certificate or skill to prepare for a career or to better their lives for their families.

“Whatever brought them here, Great Basin College gave them a place where opportunity was possible.”
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The president added that thirty years ago, local Margaret Bath dreamed of this center. She dreamed of a place where people could obtain access to higher education, workforce training and opportunities. She brought people together and, “through her tenacity,” made it all possible.

“Margaret dreamed about what higher education could be in Ely,” Donnelli said. “She saw something that didn’t exist yet.”
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The campus was originally known as a vocational skills training center. Local members of the community stepped forward, giving money, time and energy to what they believed was a valuable investment. “Of course, opening the doors was only the beginning; a dream doesn’t survive for 30 years without people who show up every day to work,” Donnelli said.
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Recognition went to longtime server Caroline McIntosh, a member of the Great Basin Institutional Advisory Board and the Foundation Board.

“Caroline has been one of the most steadfast champions for Great Basin College and for educational opportunities in Ely.” McIntosh was recognized for her willingness to get things done and never give up on an opportunity or idea. She describes the people behind the Ely Center as “dreamers and doers.” Donnelli backed that up by stating, “You need the believers. People who will be willing to stand behind the dreamers and the doers and say, ‘This matters, and I want to be part of it.’”
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Ely Mayor Nathan Robertson spoke on the benefits of having a higher level of education in Ely.

“In our community, every single nurse, CDL driver, student, is important because we are so remote and, being a small community, we rely on these people much more than they rely on them somewhere like Reno or larger metropolitan areas.”
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A handful of students were also asked to speak on their experience at the college. Vincente Ramirez said higher education was never a path he planned to take. It was not even on his radar. In the last six years, that path has changed. In his early 30s, he decided to go back to school and further his education. He has been able to proceed with his education while working a full-time job, studying and raising a family. With the support of his family and his determination, he was able to earn his certificate of achievement in electrical systems technology; he has completed his associate’s degree and is actively working toward his bachelor’s degree.

“This school has given me an entirely new foundation. I reshaped my life, strengthened my family’s future and ultimately, GBC gave me something invaluable: a renewed sense of possibility,” Ramirez said. “Another note: this community gave me a sense of belonging.”
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Nursing student Jerri Lynn Ogden spoke about her experience at GBC as a single mother. Starting nursing school as a young mother was one of the biggest challenges in her life. At times, she questioned her ability to continue. Completing her first year at GBC in Ely, she served as the president of the Student Nursing Organization.

“These leadership opportunities helped me grow not only as a student, but as a person,” Ogden said. “They taught me confidence, responsibility, communication and the importance of being involved in the community around me.”

Today, Ogden is a registered nurse at the local William Bee Ririe Hospital. She is also actively working toward her bachelor’s of science in nursing and plans on graduating in May of 2027.

“The flexibility has made a tremendous difference in my life,” Ogden said. “When I think about what GBC has given me, I think about much more than a degree. GBC gave me confidence, leadership experience, a career and an opportunity to create a better future for my son and myself.”
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Josh DeLeon, a superintendent at the Robinson Mine, said he has seen the skill gap grow firsthand, and this program has been a huge contributor to closing it as they move forward.

“We need what this college is producing to keep doing what we do out there on that mountain,” DeLeon said.

Following the presentation, attendees were invited onto the campus for an open house. After the open house, attendees enjoyed live music and the raffle prize drawing. The night ended with plenty of thanks for the attendees, participants and donations.