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Regent Pete Goicoechea, Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents, Outstanding Agriculturist

Named after his grandfather who immigrated from the Basque country, Pete started a beef cattle ranch in Eureka County in 1970. He began his political career serving on the Eureka County Commission. Afterwards, he ran for state office and served on the Nevada Assembly, including a stint as House minority leader. Pete was elected to the state Senate where he represented District 19, a large district with a varied electorate that spans from the Nevada-Idaho border in the north to Clark County in the south. During the 82nd legislative session, Pete sponsored Senate Bill 342 which allocated funding to cover out-of-state tuition difference for an allotment of Nevada residents to attend the newly created College of Veterinary Medicine at Utah State University. To help alleviate the veterinary shortage in Nevada, Pete’s goal was to create a system that provided incentives and access to young veterinary graduates to practice in underserved and rural regions of the state. After his retirement from the state Senate, Pete was appointed by Governor Lombardo to serve on the Nevada Board of Regents as the representative for District 8 because of his strong support of education. As a rancher and lifelong resident of rural Nevada, he brings a unique perspective to the Board, particularly regarding the needs of students in rural areas.

Carlos Gomez, Latin Chamber of Commerce, Outstanding Extension Supporter

Carlos, the Latin Chamber's vice president of business development, is a longtime partner with Extension’s community and economic development programs. For example, during the pandemic, he joined our on town hall webinars designed to help Nevada businesses adapt and succeed, and he cohosts our BizLife Podcast, covering a variety of topics with us to help entrepreneurs in their businesses and everyday lives. His impactful partnerships are helping Nevada’s entrepreneurs connect and discover new business growth opportunities.

Peter Guzman, Latin Chamber of Commerce, Outstanding Extension Supporter

Peter, the Latin Chamber's president and chief executive officer, is unwavering in his commitment to supporting and empowering the Latino business community and is dedicated to diversity, inclusion and collaboration. His strategic advocacy and collaboration with the Chamber's Community Foundation has been instrumental in funding and sustaining the monthly Hispanic Women’s Entrepreneurship Breakfast series, Conectando con Cafecito, cosponsored by Extension and the Latin Chamber of Commerce. This impactful program provides invaluable resources, advocacy and networking opportunities that foster economic growth and empowerment for local entrepreneurs and strengthen the Latina business community.

Alexandra Urza, U.S. Forest Service, Outstanding Leadership in Natural Resources & Environmental Science

Alexandra is exceptionally deserving of this award for her outstanding contributions to both the Department and the field of natural resources. As a research ecologist with the U.S. Forest Service's Rocky Mountain Research Station, as well as an alumna of the Department and the University's Ecology, Evolution & Conservation Biology Graduate Program, Alexandra has secured major research funding, mentored graduate students and provided valuable research opportunities for undergraduates. Her guest lectures inspire students, and she strengthens the Department by engaging with key stakeholders, including tribes, environmental nonprofits and federal agencies. Through her leadership, Alexandra continues to enhance the capacity and reputation of the Department. 

Sally Saban, University Medical Center of Southern Nevada, Marsha Read Leadership Award in Nutrition & Dietetics

A true champion of the nutrition profession, Sally, a licensed and registered dietitian nutritionist, links nutrition and wellness to the community, making measurable impacts. Serving as a preceptor in our College’s Dietetic Internship Program and on our Dietetic Advisory Board, she contributes to the exceptional training of Nevada’s Registered Dietitian Nutritionists and food service professionals. She caringly helps our interns realize their potential and critical role in health care, and harness the power of food to improve health for people and communities. She is a trusted leader in the field, and we value her service.