I was lucky enough to take a tour of the University of Nevada, Reno recently. To be honest, I didn't know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised and really impressed with the campus and programs! The tour was led by this lovely and fashionable student...She is a junior at the University of Nevada, Reno and loves her school. When I first stepped off the bus onto the campus, I struck by how new and modern the facilities looked. Our guide took us through the lower quad that was bustling with students on their way to their next class...

The tour was then led to the Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center, one of the most technologically advanced university libraries in the United States. I have to say that I was really envious of the students who have access to this library. At the entrance of the library is a screen that indicates how many computers are available and where they are located. Having attended one community college and two universities in my time, I can tell you that this is amazing! There is nothing worse than hunting for an available computer when you have an important assignment.

One the library's coolest features is MARS! No, not the planet. The Mathewson Automated Retrieval System, better known on campus as MARS, "houses more than 700,000 items from the Knowledge Center collections. The 3-story high system features 6 cranes and 25,000 storage bins in various sizes."

Like me, you are probably thinking this is an extremely modern, cutting edge campus. Well it is, but don't forget it was founded in the 1800s. As I crossed the quad, I was completely surprised by the other part of campus. The colonial architecture and big lawn made it seem like we were on a campus near Washington D.C.!  

I also visited the Intensive English Language Center, where I met a couple of students and instructors. The class sizes are limited to about 15 students, so each student receives the attention they need. Once their English is good enough, most ESL students begin attending university classes. That is the case for Maiko Otsuko (pictured below). Maiko is from Japan and began her studies learning English at the Center. She currently works part time in the Center and is working towards her degree.  

Here is a board full of photos of students enjoying the many activities sponsored by the Intensive English Language Center...The Center matches international students with friendship families, so the student can learn about American family life and have a "home-away-from-home" for the holidays. Maiko said that Thanksgiving was her favorite American holiday to spend with her "friendship family."  To my surprise, I saw a student I interviewed for the blog! Can you spot Veronica?!  I left the University of Nevada, Reno campus completely impressed. Everyone I encountered, students and professors, seemed to feel the same way. Here are some more facts from the University of Nevada, Reno...

• Full-time faculty holding highest degrees in their fields: 93 percent
• Degrees offered: A comprehensive selection of degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral level.
• Colleges and schools: Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources; Business; Education; Engineering; Journalism; Liberal Arts; Medicine; Graduate School; and the Division of Health Sciences.
• Mascot: Alphie, the wolf.
• Nickname: Wolf Pack
• Colors: Silver and Blue